Pigment dispersion, precursor of ink for UV-curing type ink-jet recording, method of ink-jet recording, printed matter, and method of manufacturing pigment dispersion

ABSTRACT

There is provided a pigment dispersion comprising at least one resin-coated pigment comprising a resin and a pigment, and having an average particle diameter of 250 nm or less, and a dispersion medium containing as a major component a cation polymeric compound having a viscosity of 30 mPa.s or less at a temperature of 25° C. and a boiling point of 150° C. or more at 1 atm. The pigment is incorporated in the pigment dispersion at a ratio ranging from 3 to 41% by weight based on a total weight of the dispersion medium, and the resin is incorporated in the resin-coated pigment at a ratio ranging from 5 to 37% by weight based on the weight of the pigment.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority fromprior Japanese Patent Application No. 2003-367805, filed Oct. 28, 2003,the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a pigment dispersion, a precursor of ink forUV-curing type ink-jet recording, a method of ink-jet recording, aprinted matter, and a method of manufacturing a pigment dispersion.

2. Description of the Related Art

In a situation where a fairly large number of copies of printed matterare required such as in the cases of printing copies of localadvertisement bill and enterprise handouts, a printing machine utilizinga form plate has been conventionally employed for meeting suchrequirements. In recent years however, an on-demand printer which iscapable of quickly coping with the diversification of needs and ofminimizing stocks has been increasingly utilized in place of theaforementioned conventional printing machine. As for such an on-demandprinter, an electrophotographic printer where a toner or a liquid toneris employed as well as an ink-jet printer which is capable of achievinghigh-speed and high-quality printing are expected to be useful.

It is known that, as in the case of the printing machine utilizing aform plate, the on-demand printer is designed to employ a solvent typeink or a solvent type liquid toner both containing a pigment and anorganic solvent. This technique of employing a solvent type ink or asolvent type liquid toner is however accompanied by a problem that theorganic solvent volatilizes to such an extent that cannot be disregardedwhen the printing is repeated a certain number of times. Therefore, whenthis technique is employed, a problem of environmental contamination dueto this volatilized organic solvent will be raised, thus necessitatingthe provision of a strict exhaust gas processing installation or astrict solvent recovery system.

On the other hand, in the case of the ink-jet printer, a solvent typeink can be handled in a closed system until the ink is discharged ontothe surface of printing matter. Moreover, since the ink can be employedwithout substantially generating redundant ink, it is possible, throughthe selection of ink which is relatively safe or through the provisionof suitable countermeasure for the exhaustion of solvent, to alleviatethe aforementioned problem of environmental contamination.

Further, a photosensitive ink for ink-jet recording (ink-jet ink) aswell as a printer system employing the photosensitive ink are now beingtaken notice of. This technique is characterized in that thephotosensitive ink that has been delivered onto the surface of printingmatter is caused to quickly photocure. A representative example of thisphotosensitive ink is formed of a radical polymeric monomer, aphotopolymerization initiator and a pigment. There is also proposed aphotopolymerizable photosensitive ink which comprises a cation polymericmonomer, a cation-generating agent and a pigment. According to thesetechniques, since an ink layer formed using such a photosensitive inkcan be readily nonfluidized by the irradiation of light, it is possibleto obtain a printed matter which is unharmful and of high-quality.

On the other hand, in the case of the ink-jet recording apparatus whichis adapted to be employed in such a quick-drying printing as describedabove, the printing heads are generally linearly arrayed foraccelerating the printing, thus making it possible to perform theprinting with one pass over a printing surface. Therefore, any error inthe delivery of ink would become a defective printing (missing ofprinting) on a line of the printed surface. Therefore, it isindispensable to make such an error zero as much as possible. Namely, itis required for an ink to be employed in the ink-jet recording that theink is made up of materials which are excellent in stability enablingthe ink to achieve very high printing accuracy and delivery stability.

The aforementioned ink of cation polymeric type has been proposed forenhancing the adhesion of the radical polymeric type ink as well as formodifying the low sensitivity, due to oxygen inhibition, of the radicalpolymeric type ink, so that the demand for this cation polymeric typeink is expected to increase in future. However, these photo-curing typeinks for ink-jet recording are accompanied with a problem that due tohigh reactivity, the physical properties such as viscosity of these inksreadily fluctuate to a great extent, thus making these inks inherentlyunstable. The reason for this can be attributed to the fact that onceactive species is generated on account of some sort of factor (such asheat for instance), it is difficult to easily deactivate the activespecies, thereby frequently allowing the dark reaction to take place inthe ink. Once the viscosity, surface tension, elastic force, etc., ofthe ink changes on account of the dark reaction, it is more likely thatthe ink can be brought into a critical state such as the turbulence intrajectory configuration of ink, the deterioration of printingreproducibility, or in the worst case, the failure of delivery of ink,the clogging of ink, etc. Therefore, this problem is very serious.

Even if the aforementioned problem can be overcome, these photo-curingtype inks are still accompanied with a problem that printing error mayoccur though the possibility of generating the printing error may below. It is now made clear that the state of ink should be stabilized notonly macrostructurally but also microstructurally. This kind of inkcontains, in addition to a solvent, a pigment having quite a differentphysical property, and a large quantity of resinous components such as adispersing agent. Since this kind of ink is made up of a mixture, thestate of dispersion in the ink may change spontaneously as exemplifiedby the aggregation of pigment. This change of the state of dispersionwill be further accelerated due to the aforementioned dark reaction,thus leaving a problem which the conventional photosensitive inkcompositions or the conventional manufacturing methods of ink havefailed to overcome.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, one of the objects of the present invention is to provide apigment dispersion and a liquid ink precursor both being useful for thepreparation of a UV-curing type ink for ink-jet recording and featuredin that they are minimal in fluctuation of viscosity, excellent instability of components, and free from deterioration of dispersibility(incidentally, by the term “liquid ink precursor”, it is intended toindicate a raw material for ink which contains at least one inkcomponents (such for example as a liquid component, a photosensitiveagent, etc.) and is excellent in dispersion of pigment and in stabilityof viscosity. Another object of the present invention is to provide arecording method wherein the aforementioned uv-curing type ink forink-jet recording is employed.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a printed matterwhich is free from defective printing and excellent in quality ofprinting.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a method ofmanufacturing a pigment dispersion which is minimal in fluctuation ofviscosity, excellent in stability of components, and free fromdeterioration of dispersibility.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided apigment dispersion comprising:

-   -   at least one resin-coated pigment comprising a resin and a        pigment, and having an average particle diameter of 250 nm or        less; and    -   a dispersion medium containing as a major component a cation        polymeric compound having a viscosity of 30 mPa.s or less at a        temperature of 25° C. and a boiling point of 150° C. or more at        1 atm;    -   wherein a mixing ratio of the pigment is confined within the        range of 3 to 41% by weight based on a total weight of the        dispersion medium, and a ratio of the resin in the resin-coated        pigment is confined within the range of 5 to 37% by weight based        on the weight of the pigment.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provideda UV curing type liquid ink precursor comprising:

-   -   a pigment dispersion which comprises a resin-coated pigment        comprising a resin and a pigment, and having an average particle        diameter of 250 nm or less; and a dispersion medium containing        as a major component a cation polymeric compound, having a        viscosity of 30 mPa.s or less at a temperature of 25° C. and a        boiling point of 150° C. or more at 1 atm, and containing at        least one selected from the group consisting of limonene        dioxide, neopentyl glycol diglycidyl ether,        di[1-ethyl(3-oxetanyl)]methyl ether and cyclohexane vinyl ether;        and    -   a photo-acid generating agent;    -   wherein a mixing ratio of the pigment is confined within the        range of 3 to 41% by weight based on a total weight of the        dispersion medium, and a ratio of the resin in the resin-coated        pigment is confined within the range of 5 to 37% by weight based        on the weight of the pigment.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, there isprovided a method of ink-jet recording, which is featured in that an inkcontaining the aforementioned UW curing type liquid ink precursor isemployed.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, there isprovided a printed matter printed using an ink containing theaforementioned UV curing type liquid ink precursor.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, there isprovided a method of manufacturing a pigment dispersion comprising:

-   -   subjecting a pigment to surface treatment to provide the pigment        with a functional group to obtain a surface-modified pigment;    -   either coating the surface-modified pigment with a resin at a        ratio of 5 to 37% by weight based on the weight of the        surface-modified pigment and then dispersing the resin-coated        pigment in a preliminary dispersion medium at a ratio ranging        from 10% by weight to 41% by weight based on a total weight of        the preliminary dispersion medium to obtain a dispersion        precursor which is dispersed in the preliminary dispersion        medium having a boiling point of 140° C. or less at 1 atm; or        adding 10% to 41% by weight (based on a total weight of a        preliminary dispersion medium) of the surface-modified pigment        and 5 to 37% by weight (based on the surface-modified pigment)        of the resin to the preliminary dispersion medium having a        boiling point of 140° C. or less at 1 atm to obtain a dispersion        precursor where the resin-coated pigment composed of the        surface-modified pigment and the resin is dispersed in the        preliminary dispersion medium;    -   adding a main dispersion medium having a viscosity of 30 mPa.s        or less at a temperature of 25° C. and a boiling point of        150° C. or more at 1 atm to the dispersion precursor and mixing        them to obtain a mixture; and    -   subjecting the mixture to distillation at a temperature of not        higher than 70° C. and under a reduced pressure to remove the        preliminary dispersion medium to obtain the pigment dispersion        where the resin-coated pigment is dispersed in the main        dispersion medium.

Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth inthe description which follows, and in part will be obvious from thedescription, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objectsand advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by theinstrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of the specification, illustrate presently preferred embodiments ofthe invention, and together with the general description given above andthe detailed description of the embodiments given below, serve toexplain the principles of the invention.

FIGURE is a schematic view of the ink-jet recording apparatus adapted tobe employed that can be employed in the recording method according toone embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Next, various embodiments of the present invention will be explained indetail as follows.

The pigment dispersion according to one embodiment of the presentinvention comprises a specific dispersion medium, and a resin-coatedpigment dispersed in the dispersion medium. As for the pigment componentconstituting the resin-coated pigment, it is possible to employ any kindof pigment which is conventionally known useful as a coloring materialand inherently capable of being dispersed. In the case of cation-curingtype materials in particular, since an acid will be employed in themechanism involving the cation-curing type materials, it is preferableto employ pigments which can be hardly discolored.

Examples of pigments useful in this case include photoabsorptionpigments. Specific examples of such photoabsorption pigments includecarbonaceous pigment such as carbon black, carbon refined and carbonnanotube; metal oxide pigments such as iron black, cobalt blue, zincoxide, titanium oxide, chromium oxide and iron oxide; sulfide pigmentssuch as zinc sulfide; phthalocyanine pigments; pigments formed of saltssuch as metal sulfate, metal carbonate, metal silicate and metalphosphate; and pigments formed of metal powder such as aluminum powder,bronze powder and zinc powder.

Further, it is also possible to employ organic pigments including, forexample, dye chelate; nitro pigments; nitroso pigments such as anilineblack and naphthol green B; azo pigments such as Bordeaux 10B, Lake red4R and chromophthal red (including azo lake, insoluble azo pigment,condensed azo pigment, chelate azo pigment); Lake pigments such asPeacock blue lake and Rhodamine lake; phthalocyanine pigments such asphthalocyanine blue; polycyclic pigments (such as perylene pigment,perinone pigment, anthraquinone pigment, quinacridone pigment, dioxanepigment, thioindigo pigment, isoindolinone pigment, quinophthalenepigment, etc.); threne pigments such as thioindigo red and indanthroneblue; quinacridine pigment; and isoindolinone pigment.

As for the pigments that can be employed in the manufacture of a blackink, it is preferable to employ carbon black-based pigments. Forexample, it is possible to employ pigments such as Raven 5750, Raven5250, Raven 5000, Raven 3500, Raven 1255 and Raven 700 (all availablefrom Colombia Co., Ltd.); Regal 400R, Regal 330R, Regal 660R, Mogul L,Monarch 700, Monarch 800, Monarch 880, Monarch 900, Monarch 1000,Monarch 1100, Monarch 1300 and Monarch 1400 (all available from CabotCo., Ltd.); No. 2300, No. 900, MCF88, No. 33, No. 40, No. 45, No. 52,MA7, MA8, MA100 and No. 2200B (all available from Mitsubishi ChemicalCo., Ltd.); Color Black FW1, Color Black FW2, Color Black FW2V, ColorBlack FW18, Color Black FW200, Color Black S150, Color Black S160, ColorBlack S170, Printex 35, Printex U, Printex V, Printex 140U, SpecialBlack 6, Special Black 5, Special Black 4A and Special Black 4 (allavailable from Dexa Co., Ltd.).

As for the yellow pigments that can be employed in a yellow ink,examples thereof include C.I. Pigment Yellow 128, C.I. Pigment Yellow129, C.I. Pigment Yellow 151, C.I. Pigment Yellow 154, C.I. PigmentYellow 1, C.I. Pigment Yellow 2, C.I. Pigment Yellow 3, C.I. PigmentYellow 12, C.I. Pigment Yellow 13, C.I. Pigment Yellow 14C, C.I. PigmentYellow 16, C.I. Pigment Yellow 17, C.I. Pigment Yellow 73, C.I. PigmentYellow 74, C.I. Pigment Yellow 75, C.I. Pigment Yellow 83, C.I. PigmentYellow 93, C.I. Pigment Yellow 95, C.I. Pigment Yellow 97, C.I. PigmentYellow 98, C.I. Pigment Yellow 114, C.I. Pigment Yellow 139, C.I.Pigment Yellow 150 and Pigment Yellow 180. In particular, it ispreferable to employ imidazolone-based pigments, since they can behardly discolored by the effect of oxygen. Among them, Pigment Yellow180 is most preferable.

As for the pigments that can be employed in a magenta ink, examplesthereof include C.I. Pigment Red 123, C.I. Pigment Red 168, C.I. PigmentRed 184, C.I. Pigment Red 202, C.I. Pigment Red 5, C.I. Pigment Red 7,C.I. Pigment Red 12, C.I. Pigment Red 48(Ca), C.I. Pigment Red 48(Mn),C.I. Pigment Red 57(Ca), C.I. Pigment Red 57:1, C.I. Pigment Red 112 andPigment Violet 19. In particular, it is preferable to employquinacridone-based pigments, since they can be hardly discolored by theeffect of oxygen. Among them, Pigment Red 122 and Pigment Red 57:1 whichis excellent in dispersibility are most preferable.

Further, as for the pigments that can be employed in a cyanine ink,examples thereof include C.I. Pigment Blue 15:3, C.I. Pigment Blue15:34, C.I. Pigment Blue 16, C.I. Pigment Blue 22, C.I. Pigment Blue 60,C.I. Pigment Blue 1, C.I. Pigment Blue 2, C.I. Pigment Blue 3, C.I. VatBlue 4, and C.I. Vat Blue 60. In particular, it is preferable to employphthalocyanine-based pigments, since they can be hardly discolored bythe effect of oxygen. Among them, Pigment Blue 15:3 is most preferable.

Further, it is also useful, as a coloring component, to employ whitepigments such as natural clay, white lead, zinc white and metalcarbonates such as magnesium carbonate, metal oxides such as barium andtitanium. The liquid ink containing white pigments can be employed notonly in white printing but also in the amendments of printing orunderlying images through overwriting.

As for the pigments that can be utilized as a coloring component, thereis not any particular limitation and any pigments can be employed aslong as they are capable of exhibiting optical coloring and tintingfunctions which the pigments are required to have. The pigments usefulin this case may be those which are capable of exhibiting, in additionto the coloring and tinting properties, other characteristics such asmagnetism, fluorescence, electric conductivity or dielectric property.If the pigments are provided with such other properties, it is possibleto provide an image with various functions. Further, these pigments maycontain the powder that is useful in enhancing the heat resistance orphysical strength of ink.

As for fluorescent pigments, it is possible to employ not only inorganicfluorescent materials but also organic fluorescent materials. As for theinorganic fluorescent materials, examples of which include MgWO₄, CaWO₄,(Ca,Zn)(PO₄)₂:Ti⁺, Ba₂P₂O₇:Ti, BaSi₂O₅:Pb²⁺, Sr₂P₂O₇:Sn²⁺,SrFB₂O_(3.5):Eu²⁺, MgAl₁₆O₂₇:Eu²⁺, and inorganic acid salts such astungstenate and sulfate. As for the organic fluorescent materials,examples of which include acridine orange, amino acridine, quinacrine,anilinonaphthalene sulfonate derivatives, anthroyl oxystearic acid,auramine O, chlorotetracycline, cyanine dye such as merocyaninen and1,1′-dihexyl-2,2′-oxacarboxycyanine, dansyl sulfonamide, dansyl choline,dansyl galacside, dansyl tolidine, dansyl chloride derivatives such asdansyl chloride, diphenyl hexatriene, eosin, ε-adenosine, ethidiumbromide, fluorescein, foamycine,4-benzoylamide-4′-aminostilbene-2,2′-sulfonic acid, β-naphthyltriphosphic acid, oxonol dye, parinaric acid derivatives, perylene,N-phenylnaphthyl amine, pyrene, safranine O, fluorescamine, fluoresceinisocyanate, 7-chloronitrobenzo-2-oxa-1,3-diazole, dansylaziridine,5-(iodoacetamide ethyl) aminonaphthalene-1-sulfonic acid,5-iodoacetamide fluorescein, N-(1-anilinonaphthyl 4) maleimide,N-(7-dimethyl-4-methylcumanyl) maleimide, N-(3-pyrene) maleimide,eosin-5-iodoacetamide, fluorescein mercury acetate,2-[4′-(2″-iodoacetamide)]aminonaphthalene-6-sulfonic acid, eosin,Rhodamine derivatives, organic electroluminescent dye, organicelectroluminescent polymer, organic electroluminescent crystal anddendrimer.

As for the powder to be employed for enhancing the heat resistance andphysical strength of ink layer, examples of which include oxides ornitrides of aluminum and silicon, filler and silicon carbide. For thepurpose of providing the ink layer with electric conductivity, the inkmay further contain conductive carbon pigment, carbon fiber, or powderof copper, silver, antimony and other noble metals. Iron oxide powderand ferromagnetic powder are suited for use in providing the ink layerwith magnetic property. It is also possible to incorporate metal oxidepowder such as tantalum oxide or titanium oxide exhibiting highdielectricity into the recording ink.

It is also possible, for the purpose of adjusting the colors, toincorporate dyes as an auxiliary component of pigment into the ink. Forexample, dyes which are low in acidity and basicity and excellent insolubility to a solvent, such as azoic dye, sulfur (building materials)dye, disperse dye, fluorescent brightening agent and oil soluble dye canbe employed. Among them, it is more preferable to employ oil soluble dyesuch as azo dye, triaryl methane dye, anthraquinone dye and azine dye.Specific examples of such oil soluble dye include C.I. Slovent Yellow-2,6, 14, 15, 16, 19, 21, 33, 56, 61 and 80; Diaresin Yellow-A, F, GRN andGG; C.I. Slovent Violet-8, 13, 14, 21 and 27; C.I. Disperse Violet-1;Sumiplast Violet RR; C.I. Slovent Blue-2, 11, 12, 25 and 35; DiresinBlue-J, A, K and N; Orient Oil Blue-IIN, #603; and Sumiplast Blue BG.

These pigments and dyes described above may be employed singly or incombination of two or more for the purpose of enhancing thephotoabsorbance, saturation and color vision.

The content of the aforementioned pigments in the pigment dispersionaccording to the embodiments of the present invention should be confinedwithin the range of 3 to 41% by weight based on a total weight of thedispersion medium. If the content of the pigments is less than 3% byweight, it would become difficult to secure a sufficient color densityif the pigment dispersion is used as a coloring material in thesubsequent processing step. On the other hand, if the content of thepigments is increased over 41% by weight, the stability of the pigmentdispersion would deteriorate. Therefore, the content of the pigments inthe pigment dispersion should more preferably be confined within therange of 3 to 28% by weight based on a total weight of the dispersionmedium.

In order to enable a prescribed quantity of pigment to uniformlydisperse in a dispersion medium, the pigment dispersion according to theembodiments of the present invention is formulated in such a manner thatthe pigment therein is combined with a resin employed as a dispersionmedium and hence turned into a resin-coated pigment. The resin in thiscase functions in such a manner that the resin interposes betweenpigment particles to prevent the aggregation of the pigment particlesand that the affinity of the pigment to the dispersion medium isenhanced by the resin to prevent the pigments from being precipitated.As for the resin, it is fundamentally possible to employ any resin whichis excellent in affinity to the dispersion medium and capable ofexhibiting stereo-separating property for preventing the aggregation ofpigments. For example, it is possible to employ a resin comprising, as amajor component, at least one selected from the group consisting ofvinyl polymer or copolymer, acrylic polymer or copolymer, polyester,polyamide, polyimide, polyurethane, amino-based polymer,silicon-containing polymer, sulfur-containing polymer,fluorine-containing polymer and epoxy resin.

In order to enable these polymers to function as a dispersion medium, itis preferable that the terminals of these polymers are provided withbonding property or affinity to the pigment. On the other hand, the mainchain of these polymers should preferably be provided with affinity to asolvent as well as with physical repulsive force or electrostaticrepulsive force for preventing the reaggregation among pigmentparticles. For example, it is preferable to employ polymers having asolubility parameter which is substantially the same (about ±5MPa^(1/2)) as that of the dispersion medium, a molecular weight rangingfrom several hundreds to tens of thousands, a polymerization degreeranging from 10 to about 200, and a Tg ranging from 10° C. to 200° C.Furthermore, it is desirable to employ polymers whose terminals arecapable of exhibiting a relatively strong chemical bonding property(such as covalent bond, electrostatic force), thus exhibiting excellentaffinity to the pigments. Generally, it is possible to provide the resinwith the aforementioned composite functions by forming the resin as acopolymer comprising two or more monomers.

The aforementioned terminal of polymer may not necessarily be limited toonly one, but may be generally introduced into a distal end of a graftcopolymer or into a tendam end of a tandem polymer. These polymers arenot only strong in bonding property but also liable to form sterichindrance which is effective in suppressing the reaggregation amongpigment particles.

As for the monomers for synthesizing such polymers, specific examplesthereof include styrene, substituted styrene, (metha)acrylic ester,(metha)acrylic acid, (metha)acrylic amide, maleic acid, maleicanhydride, maleic ester, itaconic acid, itaconic ester, hydroxystyreneand hydrogen atom-substituted derivatives of hydroxystyrene. Polymershaving an ester side chain provided with long chain alkyl, polyether,polycarbonate or polyester are advantageous in creating theaforementioned tendam polymer.

Furthermore, it is possible to employ the following compounds as apolymer useful in this case. Namely, they include polyester compoundswhich can be obtained through dehydrocondensation between a dihydroxycompound and dicarboxylic acid such aspoly(oxyphthaloyloxymethylene-1,4-phenylenemethylene) andpoly(1,4-cyclohexylenedimethylene succinate); polyamides which can beobtained through condensation among adipic acid, diamine such ashexamethylene diamine and dicarboxylic acid, or through ring-opening ofcyclic lactone such as ε-caprolactam; some polyamides which arerelatively low in Tg and can be obtained through condensation betweentetra-carboxylic acid such as pyromellitic acid and aliphatic diamine;polyurethane resin which can be obtained through a reaction betweenisophorone dicyanate or aliphatic diisocyanate and dihydroxy compound;polyvinyl pyridine compounds; polydimethyl siloxane and ladder polymersthereof; polyvinyl alcohols; polyvinyl ethers; and polyether-basedpolymer which can be obtained through polymerization of an oxiranecompound having a relatively rigid skeleton. The terminals of thesepolymers may be capped with a compound having a functional groupexhibiting affinity to pigments such as amino group, phosphoric group,etc.

It is also possible to preferably employ a high-molecular compound whichcan be obtained through polymerization between a polymeric surfactanthaving a polymeric group as well as an amphipathic group and acrosslinking monomer and/or a monofunctional monomer. As for thepolymeric group in the polymeric surfactant, it is preferable to selectan unsaturated hydrocarbon group such as a vinly group, allyl group,acryloyl group, methacryloyl group, propenyl group, vinylidene group andvinylene group. These groups may be employed singly or in combination oftwo or more. As for the hydrophilic group in the polymeric surfactant,it can be selected depending on the kind of the dispersion medium. Ifthis dispersion medium is aqueous, it is possible to preferably employat least one selected from the group consisting of a sulfone group,sulfonic acid group, carboxyl group, carbonyl group, hydroxyl group andsalts of these groups. On the other hand, if this dispersion medium isoily, it is possible to preferably employ a carboxyl group or estersthereof, lactone-based compounds, a carbonyl group, hydroxyl group, etc.

In order to enhance the dispersion stability of the pigment, it is morepreferable to treat the aforementioned polymers and pigments so as toform a covalent bond between them or to form a microcapsulized pigment.The manufacture of this microcapsulized pigment can be performed by anyknown methods. For example, it is possible, without any limitation, toemploy a phase separation method (coacervation), a submerged dryingmethod (interfacial precipitation method), a spray drying method, a pancoating method, a submerged cure-coating method, an interfacialpolymerization method, an in-situ method, an ultrasonication method,etc. More specifically, it is possible to employ the method ofmanufacturing anionic microcapsulized pigment which is described inJapanese Laid-open Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 9-151342 (1997) or themethod which is described in Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication(Kokai) No. 10-316909 (1998). By using any of these methods, theresin-coated pigments according to the embodiments of the presentinvention will be manufacture.

The ratio of the resin in the resin-coated pigments should preferably beconfined within the range of 5 to 37% by weight based on the pigments.If the ratio of the resin falls outside this range, it would beimpossible to obtain a dispersion which is excellent in stability ofdispersion and has a suitable viscosity. Namely, if the ratio of theresin is too small, the stability of dispersion of the resin-coatedpigments would be considerably deteriorated. On the other hand, if theratio of the resin is too large, the dispersed body of the resin-coatedpigments would become too large in consistency, thus degraeding thedelivery stability of ink especially when the ink is to be employed inthe ink-jet recording. A more preferable range of the ratio of resindiffers more or less depending on the kind of pigment. For example, inthe case of carbon black, the ratio of the resin should preferably beconfined within the range of 10 to 30% by weight based on the pigment.In the case of color pigments, for example, in the case ofbenzimidazolone-based yellow pigment, the ratio of the resin shouldpreferably be confined within the range of 15 to 39% by weight based onthe pigment; in the case of phthalocyanine-based cyan pigment, the ratioof the resin should preferably be confined within the range of 10 to 30%by weight based on the pigment, and in the case of quinacridone-basedmagenta pigment, the ratio of the resin should preferably be confinedwithin the range of 20 to 39% by weight based on the pigment.

Next, there will be discussed about the average particle diameter of theresin-coated pigment containing a prescribed ratio of a resin. In thecase of the ink-jet ink, an average particle diameter of colorantcomponent and of the powder component should be as small as possible,provided that it would not badly affect the weather resistance ofcoloring material. Generally speaking, the particles that would giverise to problems in the delivery of ink through a nozzle are typicallyparticles or aggregated particles having a particle diameter of 1 μm ormore. Therefore, the average particle diameter of the resin-coatedpigment should preferably be limited to 0.35 μm or less, more preferablyto the range of 0.05 to 0.25 μm. If the average particle diameter of theresin-coated pigment is less than this lower limit, the weatherresistance of the pigment may be deteriorated.

In order to make the pigment dispersion according to the embodiments ofthe present invention applicable to ink-jet recording in particular, theviscosity of dispersion liquid comprising this pigment dispersion shoulddesirably be confined to 100 mPa.s or less at a temperature of 25° C. ingeneral (generally, the viscosity of a dispersion medium is limited, atmaximum, to about 30 mPa.s). In order to control the viscosity ofdispersion liquid so as to make it fall within this range of viscosity,the pigment is dispersed as a resin-coated pigment in a predetermineddispersion medium. In the embodiments of the present invention, adispersion medium comprising as a major component a cationic polymericcompound and having a viscosity of 30 mPa.s or less at a temperature of25° C. and a boiling point of 150° C. or more at 1 atm is employed. Asan upper limit of the viscosity of the dispersion medium is confined asdescribed above, it is now possible to enhance the dispersion propertyof the resin-coated pigment, and furthermore, as the lower limit of theboiling point of the dispersion medium is confined as described above,it is now possible to minimize harmful volatile components contained inthe dispersion liquid. If the viscosity of the dispersion medium exceeds30 mPa.s, it may become difficult to perform a normal delivery of inkespecially when the dispersion medium is employed for formulating anink-jet ink.

Incidentally, by the expression of: “containing as a major component acation polymeric compound”, it is intended, in a specific sense, toindicate that the cation polymeric compound occupies 80% or more in atotal weight of a dispersion medium.

As long as the aforementioned conditions with regard to viscosity andboiling point are satisfied, any dispersion medium can be employed andmoreover, the dispersion medium can be employed singly or in combinationof two or more. Specific examples of this dispersion medium includecompounds having a molecular weight of not more than 1000 and comprisinga cyclic ether group such as an epoxy group, oxetane group and oxoranegroup; acrylic or vinyl compounds having the aforementioned substituentgroups; carbonate compounds; low molecular melamine compounds; vinylethers; vinyl carbazoles; styrene derivatives; alpha-methylstyrenederivatives; vinyl alcohol esters including esters of vinyl alcohol withacryl or methacryl; and monomers having a cation polymerizable vinylbond. These compounds can be employed in combination thereof.

When the dispersion medium contains a compound having an aliphaticskeleton or an alicyclic skeleton, the transparency of cured materialcan be enhanced and at the same time, the dispersion medium would beprovided with a suitable thermoplasticity and resolubility. Therefore,when the dispersion medium is employed for formulating a photosensitiveink, the sensitivity, fixability, transferability and maintenance of theink can be enhanced.

As long as the quantity to be added is limited, the dispersion mediummay further contain a compound having a relatively high molecular weightand a high viscosity such as a substance which is solid at the ordinarytemperatures. The inclusion of such a compound makes it possible toenhance the flexibility of a cured matter and also to enhance thedispersibility of pigments. Further, when the dispersion medium containsa compound which is large in valency and high in reactivity, thehardness of the cured substance or the resistance to solvent can beenhanced. Specific examples of such a compound include compounds havinga molecular weight of not more than 5000 and comprising a cyclic ethergroup such as an epoxy group, oxetane group and oxorane group, which arebonded through a long chain alkylene group; acrylic or vinyl compoundshaving the aforementioned substituent groups; carbonate compounds; lowmolecular melamine compounds; vinyl ethers; vinyl carbazoles; styrenederivatives; alpha-methylstyrene derivatives; vinyl alcohol estersincluding esters of vinyl alcohol with acryl or methacryl; monomershaving a cation polymerizable vinyl bond; and oligomers formed throughthe polymerization of at least one of such monomers.

Further, the dispersion medium may contain, in addition to theaforementioned compounds, at least one compound selected from the groupconsisting of a homopolymer or copolymer of vinyl alcohol;acid-reactive/dehydrocondensing resins containing an OH group, COOHgroup, acetal group, etc., and having a molecular weight of 5000 or lesssuch as casein and cellulose; polycarbonate resins having a molecularweight of 5000 or less; copolymers to be derived from a reaction betweenpolyamic acid, polyamino acid or acrylic acid and a vinyl compoundhaving an acid polymerizable double bond on its side chain; copolymersto be derived from a reaction between vinyl alcohol and a vinyl compoundhaving an acid polymerizable double bond on its side chain; and methylolmelamine resin.

When an epoxy compound is to be employed as a dispersion medium, thefollowing compounds can be employed. Namely, compounds having ahydrocarbon group having 1 to 15 carbon atoms and bivalent aliphatic oralicyclic skeleton; or compounds having an epoxy or alicyclic epoxygroup at one or both sites of a bivalent group having, at a portionthereof, an aliphatic chain or alicyclic skeleton (ether bond or esterbond may be included in the skeleton) can be employed.

As for specific examples of such epoxy compounds, they include alicyclicepoxy compounds such as Celloxide 2021, Celloxide 2021A, Celloxide2021P, Celloxide 2081, Celloxide 2000 and Celloxide 3000 (all availablefrom Daicel Chemical Industries Ltd.); (metha)acrylate compounds havingan epoxy group, such as Cyclomer A200 and Cyclomer M100; methacrylatehaving a methylglycidyl group such as MGMA; glycidol representing a lowmolecular epoxy compound; β-methylepichlorohydrin; α-pinene oxide;α-olefin monoepoxide having 12 to 14 carbon atoms; α-olefin monoepoxidehaving 16 to 18 carbon atoms; epoxidized soy bean oil such as DimacS-300K; epoxidized linseed oil such as Dimac L-500; and polyfunctionalepoxy compounds such as Epolead GT301 and Epolead GT401. It is alsopossible to employ alicyclic epoxy compounds. (such as Cylacure; DowChemical Co., Ltd, U.S.); low molecular weight phenol compounds whichare hydrogenated and aliphatized with terminal hydroxyl group thereofbeing substituted by a group having epoxy; glycidyl ether of polyhydricaliphatic alcohol/alicyclic alcohol such as ethylene glycol, glycerin,neopentyl alcohol, hexanediol and trimethylol propane, and glycidylesters of hexahydrophthalic acid or hydrogenated aromatic polyhydriccarboxylic acid.

Further, as long as the quantity to be added is confined to such thatwould not increase the viscosity exceeding the upper limit thereof, theink may include a transparent liquid epoxy resin which is excellent inweather resistance and high in Tg. For example, epoxidized polybutadienesuch as Epolead PB3600 and PB3600M, EHPE3150 and EHPE3150CE (trademark,Daicel Chemical Industries., Ltd.) may be included in the ink. Inaddition to these epoxy resins, it is also possible to incorporatelactone-modified alicyclic epoxy resin, examples of which includingPlaccell GL61, GL62, G101, G102, G105, G401, G402, G403X (trademark,Daicel Chemical Industries., Ltd.).

Among these alicyclic epoxy compounds, Celloxide 2000, Celloxide 3000and α-pinene oxide ethylene glycol are preferable in terms of viscosityand volatility. In particular, limonene dioxide (product name: Celloxide3000) can be preferably employed, since this compound is excellent indispersibility and in odor safety.

Generally speaking, the aliphatic epoxy compounds are poor in acidpolymerizability. However, some of the aliphatic epoxy compounds areprominently excellent in storage stability as they are employed as adispersion medium. Moreover, since they exhibit a certain degree of acidpolymerizability, these epoxy compounds can be preferably employed as adispersion medium in the embodiments of the present invention.Especially, the epoxy compounds that can be represented by the followinggeneral formula (1) are useful in further enhancing the viscositystability and dispersibility.R¹¹—R¹²—R¹¹   (1)

Wherein R¹¹ is glycidyl ether group; R¹² is an alkylene orhydroxyl-substituted alkylene group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, or analkylene group having an alicyclic or hydroxyl-substituted alicyclicskeleton and 6 to 15 carbon atoms; and j is an integer ranging from 1 to3.

Among these compounds, it is preferable to employ compounds that can beobtained through the modification of alcohols such as glycerin,neopentyl polyhydric alcohol or hexanediol into glycidyl ethers.Especially, diglycidyl ether having a neopentyl skeleton (trade name:SR-NPG (Sakamoto Yakuhin Co., Ltd.)) exhibits such excellent propertiesthat are almost unique.

Usually, epichlorohydrin is employed in the manufacture of aliphaticepoxy compounds, so that the resultant compounds inevitably contain intheir components a halogen which may be chlorine occasionally. Thischlorine source is likely to generate a substance which is harmful tothe environments as this chlorine source is incinerated. Therefore, itis necessary to minimize by all means the content of chlorine in theresultant pigment dispersion. Specifically, the content of chlorine inthe pigment dispersion should preferably be limited to less than 1%.Such a low content of chlorine can be achieved by the employment of analiphatic epoxy compound which is purified through distillation.

Incidentally, this pigment dispersion is employed for the preparation ofan ink-jet ink, which is then employed for performing recording toproduce a printed matter. This printed matter is required to havespecific properties which differ depending on the specific use thereof.For instance, when this printed matter is to be applied to the outersurface of a can or a PET bottle, or to the outer surface of a containermade of an oily material, the printed images on the printed matter arerequired to be excellent in solvent resistance. Further, in order tocope with a high-speed printing, the ink may be required to be cured ata higher curing rate.

In that case, the dispersion medium may further contain, in addition tothe aforementioned alicyclic or aliphatic epoxy compounds, compoundshaving a phenolic hydroxyl group as described above (for example,glycidyl ether of phenol A, and glycidyl ether of phenolic oligomerincluding phenol novolac and polyhydroxystyrene), or ordinary aromaticepoxy compounds such as styrene oxide in such a quantity that would notincrease the viscosity exceeding the upper limit thereof.

Moreover, the dispersion medium may contain various compounds dependingon the properties desired or on the conditions at the time of recording.For example, in a situation where high-speed printing of several tens ofmeters per minute is demanded or where resistance to a solvent isrequired, it is preferable that an oxetane compound is incorporated inthe dispersion medium. However, since the dispersion medium comprisingan aromatic oxetane compound as a major component is high in viscosity,it is desirable that the compound to be incorporated in the dispersionmedium in this case is selected from an aliphatic oxetane compound oflow viscosity, an oxetane (metha)acrylate compound, and a cationpolymeric compound of low viscosity such as a vinyl ether compound. Thealiphatic oxetane may include an ether bond in part of the structurethereof.

Specific examples of aliphatic or alicyclic oxetane compounds of bi- ormore valence include di[1-ethyl(3-oxetanyl)] methyl ether,3-ethyl-3-(2-ethylhexyloxymethyl) oxetane, [(1 ethyl 3 oxetanyl)methoxy]cyclohexane, compounds comprising an alicyclic group such asbis[(1-ethyl-3-oxetanyl)methoxy] cyclohexane orbis[(1-ethyl-3-oxetanyl)methoxy] norbornane, to which at least oneoxetane-containing group is introduced, and ether compounds comprisingaliphatic polyhydric alcohol such as ethylene glycol, propylene glycoland neopentyl alcohol, to which oxetane-containing alcohol such as3-ethyl-3-hydroxymethyl oxetane is dehydrocondensed. The aforementionedaliphatic or alicyclic oxetane compounds can be manufactured by anyknown method such as a desalting reaction between3-ethyl-3-methyloxetane halide and an alkali metal salt of correspondingalcohol.

Specific examples of the oxetane compounds comprising an aromaticskeleton include 1,4-bis[(1-ethyl-3 oxetanyl)methoxy] benzene,1,3-bis[(1-ethyl-3 oxetanyl)methoxy] benzene, 4,4′-bis[(3-ethyl-3oxetanyl)methoxy) biphenyl, and phenol novolac oxetane. Especially whendi[1-ethyl(3-oxetanyl)]methyl ether which is known as OXT-221 (Toa GoseiCo., Ltd.) or an acrylic or methacrylic compound having an oxetane groupon a side chain thereof is employed, not only the rise of viscosity inparticular can be suppressed but also a cure-accelerating effect ofalmost the same degree as that of other oxetane compounds can beobtained.

In a situation where a further reduction of viscosity and a furtherenhancement of curing rate are required in addition to theaforementioned enhanced curing rate and solvent resistance of printedimage, it is preferable to employ vinyl ether compounds represented bythe following general formula (2) as one component of the dispersionmedium. These vinyl ether compounds can be employed singly or as amixture of two or more. Incidentally, as for these vinyl ethercompounds, ones which are bonded to methylene group of aliphatic glycolderivatives or of cyclohexane dimethanol are generally well known. Suchvinyl ether compounds are accompanied with problems that they are poorin cation polymerizability and that the polymerization thereof isconsiderably obstructed by the presence of pigment. Whereas thecompounds having a vinyl ether group which is directly attached to acyclic skeleton such as an alicyclic skeleton, a terpenoid skeleton oran aromatic skeleton as represented by the following general formula (2)are excellent in curability even if a pigment co-exists therewith andare therefore preferable for use.R¹³—R¹⁴—(R¹³)_(p)   (2)

Wherein R¹³(s) is a group selected from vinyl ether group and hydroxylgroup wherein at least one of R¹³(s) is a vinyl ether group; R¹⁴ is acyclic group having a valence of (p+1) and selected from an alicyclicskeleton and a skeleton having an aromatic ring; and p is a positiveinteger including zero; with a proviso that if R¹⁴ is a cyclohexanecyclic skeleton and p is zero, at least one of the carbon atoms locatedin the ring constitutes a ketone structure.

As for the cyclic group R¹⁴, it is possible to employ groups having avalence of (p+1) such as a benzene ring, naphthalene ring and biphenylring; or groups having a valence of (p+1) that can be derived from acycloalkane skeleton, norbornane skeleton, adamantane skeleton,tricyclodecane skeleton, tetracyclododecane skeleton, terpenoid skeletonor cholesterol skeleton.

More specific examples of group R¹⁴ include the compounds comprisingalicyclic polyols such as cyclohexane(poly)ol, norbornane(poly)ol,tricyclodecane(poly)ol, adamantane(poly)ol, benzene(poly)ol,naphthalene(poly)ol, anthracene(poly)ol and biphenyl(poly)ol; andphenolic derivatives; wherein the hydrogen atom of the hydroxyl group ofthe alicyclic polyols or of the phenolic derivatives is substituted byvinyl group. It is also possible to employ the compounds comprisingpolyvinylphenol or polyphenol compound such as phenol novolac whereinthe hydrogen atom of the hydroxyl group thereof is substituted by avinyl group. These compounds described above may be such that some ofthe hydroxyl groups thereof are left to remain or some of the methyleneatoms of the alicyclic skeleton are substituted by a ketone group. Sucha substitution of groups is preferable in view of reducing thevolatility of the compounds.

In particular, since a cyclohexyl monovinyl ether compound is highvolatility, if this cyclohexyl monovinyl ether compound is to beemployed, at least the cyclohexane ring should preferably be oxidizedinto a cyclohexanone ring. As for the method of synthesizing theaforementioned vinyl ether compound, the synthesizing method proposed byIshii et al in J. Am. Chem. Soc., Vol. 124, No. 8,1590 (2002) andemploying a corresponding alcohol compound as a raw material can besuitably employed for the manufacture of the vinyl ether compound.

Divinyl ether of cyclohexane diol is preferable for use as a dispertionmedium since it is relatively high in acid reactivity among the vinylether compounds. However, compared with other ether compounds, divinylether of cyclohexane diol is more or less higher in hydrophobicity.Therefore, it is preferable in the employment of divinyl ether ofcyclohexane diol to concurrently incorporate an acid polymeric compoundcontaining a large number of oxygen and exhibiting a high polarity,thereby enhancing the dispersion stability of this vinyl ether compound.The examples of such a compound useful in this case include compoundshaving, in their skeletons, a plurality of cyclic ethers, cycliccarbonates or cyclic lactones for instance.

As for the method for dispersing a pigment in the aforementioneddispersion medium to obtain the pigment dispersion according to theembodiments of the present invention, it is possible to adopt variousdispersion methods. They can be generally classified into a media-lessdispersion method and a media dispersion method using a medium. Typicalexamples of the media-less dispersion method include ultrasonicdispersion, jetstream dispersion, dispersion using a high-speed discplate, dispersion using a homogenizer. On the other hand, as for themedia dispersion method, there is known a method using hard beads (forexample, zirconia or glass beads) and a bead mill for agitating thebeads at high speed.

The media-less dispersion method is generally suited for use indisintegrating the aggregated body of pigment and is also effective inminimizing a side reaction between a pigment and a dispersion medium.However, it is difficult, in the case of this media-less dispersionmethod, to make the pigment smaller than the primary particle size ofpigment (i.e. the original particle size created on the occasion ofmanufacturing a pigment). On the other hand, in the case of the mediadispersion method, although it is possible to obtain a pigment having aparticle size which is smaller than the primary particle size, it willcreate an active pigment surface in the process of pulverizing thepigment, thus giving rise to the reaggregation of pigment particles andhence rendering the dispersion unstable. This tendency would become moreprominent when a material which is high in reactivity is employed as adispersion medium.

The pigment dispersion according to the embodiments of the presentinvention can be most preferably manufactured by using any one of themethods according to the embodiments of the present invention.

Namely, the method comprises:

-   -   subjecting a pigment to surface treatment to provide the pigment        with a functional group to obtain a surface-modified pigment;    -   either coating the surface-modified pigment with a resin at a        ratio of 5 to 37% by weight based on the weight of the        surface-modified pigment and then dispersing the resin-coated        pigment in a preliminary dispersion medium at a ratio ranging        from 10% by weight to 41% by weight based on a total weight of        the preliminary dispersion medium to obtain a dispersion        precursor which is dispersed in the preliminary dispersion        medium having a boiling point of 140° C. at 1 atm; or adding 10%        to 41% by weight (based on the total weight of a preliminary        dispersion medium) of the surface-modified pigment and 5 to 37%        by weight (based on the surface-modified pigment) of the resin        to the preliminary dispersion medium having a boiling point of        140° C. at 1 atm to obtain a dispersion precursor where the        resin-coated pigment composed of the surface-modified pigment        and the resin is dispersed in the preliminary dispersion medium;    -   adding a main dispersion medium having a viscosity of 30 mPa.s        or less at a temperature of 25° C. and a boiling point of        150° C. or more at 1 atm to the dispersion precursor and mixing        them to obtain a mixture; and    -   subjecting the mixture to distillation at a temperature of        70° C. or less and under a reduced pressure to remove the        preliminary dispersion medium to obtain the pigment dispersion        where the resin-coated pigment is dispersed in the main        dispersion medium.

It has been made possible, due to the employment of this method, toeffectively suppress the increase of viscosity that may be caused by thereaction between a dispersion medium and a pigment.

The surface modification of pigment is performed for the purpose ofenhancing the bonding between the pigment and the resin employed as adispersing agent. For example, when carboxyl group or sulfonic acidgroup, both capable of strongly bonding with amino group which is atypical terminal of dispersing agent, is partially formed on the surfaceof pigment, the dispersibility of the pigment would be remarkablyenhanced. The modification of the surface of pigment with theaforementioned functional group can be achieved by using a suitableoxidizing agent for oxidizing the surface of pigment crystal or by usingthe effect of a sulfonating agent. It is generally known that even if asulfone-modifying compound (synergist) exhibiting a high physicaladsorption to a pigment is adsorbed onto the surface of pigment, more orless the same degree of effect as described above would be achieved.However, the surface-modified pigment whose surface has been directlymodified with a sulfonating agent is more excellent in bonding strengthbetween a pigment and sulfonic acid group and far more excellent indispersion stability as compared with the synergist, and hence thissurface-modified pigment can be preferably employed in the presentinvention.

The ratio of modification with a functional group can be directlymeasured by a surface spectroanalysis such as EDX if the modifyingelement includes sulfur atoms or phosphorus. In this case, the contentof the element to be employed should preferably be at least about 0.1%based on the surface composition of pigment. However, if thismodification ratio become too high, the acidity of pigment would becometoo strong so that the reaction of the modifying element with adispersion medium would generate, and aggregation as well as thickeningmay be accelerated. Therefore, the modification ratio should preferablybe confined at most to about 30%. When the functional group to beintroduced into the surface of pigment is constituted by carboxylic acidwhich cannot be easily identified by EDX, the modification ratio can beestimated from the surface area which can be determined by adsorptionmethod for example and from the number of modifying group which can beestimated by titrimetric method.

The surface modified pigment thus obtained is then permitted to reactwith a resin or monomer to temporarily obtain capsulized pigment. Then,the capsulized pigment is dispersed in a preliminary dispersion mediumor otherwise allowed to react with a resin or monomer in a predeterminedpreliminary dispersion medium, thus directly obtaining a dispersionprecursor. This preliminary dispersion medium is selected from thosehaving a boiling point of not more than 140° C. at 1 atm. Specificexamples of this preliminary dispersion medium include, for example,acetone, methylethyl ketone, methylpropyl ketone, methyl(iso)butylketone, 3-pentanone, ethyl acetate, methyl acetate and butyl acetate.When the solubility parameter of the preliminary dispersion mediumdiffers greatly from the solubility parameter of the main dispersionmedium, a suitable quantity of dispersing agent changes, thus increasingthe probability of generating the reaggregation of resin. Preferably,the preliminary dispersion medium should be selected from those havingalmost the same solubility parameter as that of the main dispersionmedium, the difference being limited preferably to ±5 MPa^(1/2) at most,more preferably to ±2 MPa^(1/2) at most.

The mixing ratio of each of the components in the preparation of thecapsulized pigment and the dispersion precursor give a great influenceto the properties of the pigment dispersion to be obtained. If thedispersion medium is not employed at a suitable quantity in thedispersion of pigment, the active points of the surface of pigment wouldnot be sufficiently covered by the resin, thus raising the probabilityof reaggregation among pigment particles in the process of dispersingthe pigment in the main dispersion medium that will be subsequentlyfollowed. Therefore, the surface-modified pigment should be employed insuch a quantity that will be confined within the range of 10 to 41% byweight based on a total weight of the dispersion medium. On the otherhand, the resin is employed at ratio ranging from 5 to 37% by weightbased on the pigment.

On the occasion of preparing the capsulized pigment and the dispersionprecursor, the resin or monomer is allowed to bond with the functionalgroup on the surface of pigment or allowed to polymerize using thisfunctional group as an active point, thus creating a resin-coatedpigment. On this occasion however, unless this coating of resin isperformed while disintegrating the pigment by a suitable method, thesize of this resin-coated pigment would not be sufficiently decreased.Namely, unless the aforementioned reactions are allowed to take placeunder the ultrasonic irradiation or in a high-speed jet stream or a beadmill, the size of the pigment particle would not be sufficientlydecreased. By suitably selecting the conditions of process, the averageparticle diameter of the pigment in the resin-coated pigment can becontrolled. The generation of the capsulized pigment as well as theparticle size of pigment can be confirmed for example by observationusing a transmission electron microscope (TEM) after finishing thecoating and drying of the aforementioned dispersion. In the case ofcapsulized pigment, the presence of thin coated film on the surface ofpigment particle can be confirmed. However, when the pigment isdispersed in a dispersion, the determination of particle diameter ofcapsulized pigment including the resin coating is very difficult.Therefore, in general, the movement of pigment such as dynamic lightscattering is measured to calculate the size of pigment particle todetermine the diameter of pigment particle. As described above, it isnow possible to obtain the dispersion precursor where the resin-coatedpigment is dispersed in a preliminary dispersion medium.

To this preliminary dispersion medium, a main dispersion medium meetingthe aforementioned conditions with regard to viscosity and boiling pointis added and stirred to obtain a mixed solution, after which thepreliminary dispersion medium is removed through distillation. Althoughit would be impossible to definitely regulate the conditions forremoving the preliminary dispersion medium because of fluctuations inheat capacity and quantity of heat to apply, it would be possible toremove the preliminary dispersion medium by heating it for 0.5 to 3.0hours at a temperature ranging from the ordinary temperature to 70° C.and under a pressure ranging from the ordinary pressure to 30 mmHg, andthen, for 0.5 to 3.0 hours under a pressure ranging from 30 to 0.5 mmHg.

It is now made possible, through the manufacture of a pigment dispersionby the aforementioned methods, to achieve an ideal dispersion statewherein not only the average particle diameter of the resin-coatedpigment is made sufficiently fine, but also the reaggregation due to aside reaction between a highly reactive main dispersion medium and thepigment is suppressed to minimum.

In some case, even if the dispersion of pigment is performed under theaforementioned conditions, the aggregation of particles may be generatedat a level which would not bring about any problem in the stability ofdispersion. In this case, the aggregated particle has a particlediameter of 1.0 μm or more. If this aggregated particle exists, deliveryerror would be more likely to occur on the occasion of performing thedelivery of ink-jet ink in particular. Therefore, it is desirable toremove this aggregated particle as much as possible. Although it ispossible to remove the aggregated particle by various methods such asfiltration, centrifugal separation, etc., it is more preferable toemploy the centrifugal separation which can be executed conveniently andat low cost without substantially deteriorating the originalconcentration of pigment. As for the specific conditions for thiscentrifugal separation, although they may be altered depending on thekind of pigment, the kind of dispersing agent, the size of vessel, andthe type of procedure (continuous or batch process), this centrifugalseparation can be performed by applying a gravity ranging from 2500 G to70000 G to the pigment dispersion for a time period ranging from 5minutes to 3 hours, thus making it possible to remove the aggregatedparticle.

More precisely, the time for effecting the centrifugal separation can beapproximately calculated by using Stokes equation represented by thefollowing expression (A) employing the relationships among the size ofcentrifugal vessel, the viscosity of liquid, the density of particlesand centrifugal gravity G.Sedimentation velocity=[G×(density of pigment-density of dispersionmedium)×particle size]/[18×(viscosity of dispersion medium)]  expression(A)

Thus, it is preferable, according to the expression (A), to apply to thepigment dispersion the time required for the 1 μm pigment particle tosettle down along the height of centrifugal vessel. More specifically,the aggregated particle in the pigment dispersion should preferably berestricted as defined below. Namely, the number of the aggregatedparticle having a diameter of 1 μm or more per 1 mL should be limited to1.6×10⁸ or less. If the aggregated particle having a diameter of 1 μm ormore is included in the pigment dispersion at a ratio exceeding theaforementioned range, delivery error would more likely to occur on theoccasion of performing the delivery of ink-jet ink.

The pigment dispersion according to the embodiments of the presentinvention can be made into a UV curing type liquid ink precursor byadding, if required, other acid polymeric compounds or photo-acidgenerating agent. By the term “precursor”, it is intended to mean aprecursor of ink-jet ink which is not photo-sensitive by itself, and isnot yet brought into a state where the viscosity thereof is about 30mPa.s or less at the ordinary temperature which is requisite for thedelivery of ink-jet ink. To this liquid ink precursor, chemicals forproviding the ink with prescribed characteristics of physicalproperties, such as an acid polymeric compound, a sensitizing agent, asurfactant or a viscosity stabilizing agent are added to obtain asuitable liquid ink.

When this liquid ink is irradiated with light, an acid generates fromthe photo-acid generating agent, and then, this acid acts as a catalystfor the crosslinking reaction of the polymeric compound and at the sametime, diffuses inside the ink layer. The diffusion of this acid as wellas the crosslinking reaction using this acid as a catalyst can beaccelerated by applying heat to the liquid ink. In different from theradical polymerization, this crosslinking reaction would not beobstructed by the presence of oxygen. As a result, a plurality ofcrosslinking reactions can be caused to occur using only one photon,thereby making it possible to realize a high sensitivity. Moreover, thecrosslinking reaction can be permitted to take place quickly even in adeep portion of the ink layer and in the interior of the media.Therefore, as compared with the case of radical polymerization system,the ink layer to be obtained in this manner would become far moreexcellent in adhesion.

Accordingly, by the employment of this liquid ink, the ink layer can berapidly non-fluidized by the application of light irradiation andheating after finishing the delivery of ink onto the surface of printingmatter. Namely, it is possible to obtain a printed matter of highquality without necessitating a large scale exposure system. Moreover,in different from such a liquid ink utilizing radical polymerization, itis not required, in the case of this liquid ink, to employ acarcinogenic radical-generating agent or a radical polymeric monomerwhich is highly stimulating to skin and bad smelling.

Further, when the ratio of the polymeric compound in the liquid ink tothe entire volume of solvent is, sufficiently high, there is littlepossibility of causing organic solvent to volatile on the occasion ofprinting. Therefore, it is now possible to obviate the problem ofenvironmental contamination that may occur due to the evaporation oforganic solvents, thus unnecessitating the provision of an exhaustinstallation or a solvent recovery mechanism. Because of these reasons,the ink layer can be rapidly non-fluidized, thereby making it possibleto easily fix a printed image without substantially generating bleedingon the printing surface of various characteristics. Additionally, thereis little possibility of the deterioration of printed surface which mayotherwise occur due to the drying of the ink layer.

As for the photo-acid generating agent which are capable of generatingacid as they are irradiated with light, they include onium salt,diazonium salt, quinone diazide compounds, organic halide compounds,aromatic sulfonate compounds, bisulfone compounds, sulfonyl compounds,sulfonate compounds, sulfonium compounds, sulfamide compounds, iodoniumcompounds, sulfonyl diazomethane compounds and mixtures of thesecompounds.

Specific examples of the aforementioned compounds includetriphenylsulfonium triflate, diphenyliodonium triflate,2,3,4,4-tetrahydroxybenzophenone-4-naphthoquinone diazide sulfonate,4-N-phenylamino-2-methoxyphenyl diazonium sulfate,4-N-phenylamino-2-methoxyphenyldiazonium-p-ethylphenyl sulfate,4-N-phenylamino-2-methoxyphenyldiazonium-2-naphthyl sulfate,4-N-phenylamino-2-methoxyphenyldiazonium-phenyl sulfate,2,5-diethoxy-4-N-4′-methoxyphenylcarbonylphenyldiazonium-3-carboxy-4-hydroxyphenylsulfate, 2-methoxy-4-N-phenylphenyldiazonium-3-carboxy-4-hydroxyphenylsulfate, diphenylsulfonyl methane, diphenylsulfonyl diazomethane,diphenyl disulfone, α-methylbenzoin tosylate, pyrogallo trimesylate,benzoin tosylate, MPI-103 (CAS. NO. [87709-41-9]; Midori Kagaku Co.,Ltd.), BDS-105 (CAS. NO. [145612-66-4]; Midori Kagaku Co., Ltd.),NDS-103 (CAS. NO. [110098-97-0]; Midori Kagaku Co., Ltd.), MDS-203 (CAS.NO. [127855-15-5]; Midori Kagaku Co., Ltd.), Pyrogallol tritosylate(CAS. NO. [20032-64-8]; Midori Kagaku Co., Ltd.), DTS-102 (CAS. NO.[75482-18-7]; Midori Kagaku Co., Ltd.), DTS-103 (CAS. NO. [71449-78-0];Midori Kagaku Co., Ltd.), MDS-103 (CAS. NO. [127279-74-7]; Midori KagakuCo., Ltd.), MDS-105 (CAS. NO. [116808-67-4]; Midori Kagaku Co., Ltd.),MDS-205 (CAS. NO. [81416-37-7]; Midori Kagaku Co., Ltd.), BMS-105 (CAS.NO. [149934-68-9]; Midori Kagaku Co., Ltd.), TMS-105 (CAS. NO.[127820-38-6]; Midori Kagaku Co., Ltd.), NB-101 (CAS. NO. [20444-09-1];Midori Kagaku Co., Ltd.), NB-201 (CAS. NO. [4450-68-4]; Midori KagakuCo., Ltd.), DNB-101 (CAS. NO. [114719-51-6]; Midori Kagaku Co., Ltd.),DNB-102 (CAS. NO. [131509-55-2]; Midori Kagaku Co., Ltd.), DNB-103 (CAS.NO. [132898-35-2]; Midori Kagaku Co., Ltd.), DNB-104 (CAS. NO.[132898-36-3]; Midori Kagaku Co., Ltd.), DNB 105 (CAS. NO.[132898-37-4]; Midori Kagaku Co., Ltd.), DAM-101 (CAS. NO. [1886-74-4];Midori Kagaku Co., Ltd.), DAM-102 (CAS. NO. [28343-24-0]; Midori KagakuCo., Ltd.), DAM-103 (CAS. NO. [14159-45-6]; Midori Kagaku Co., Ltd.),DAM-104 (CAS. NO. [130290-80-1] and CAS. NO. (130290-82-3]; MidoriKagaku Co., Ltd.), DAM-201 (CAS. NO. [28322-50-1]; Midori Kagaku Co.,Ltd.), CMS-105 (Midori Kagaku Co., Ltd.), DAM-301 (CAS. NO.[138529-81-4]; Midori Kagaku Co., Ltd.), SI-105 (CAS.NO.[34694-40-7];Midori Kagaku Co., Ltd.), NDI-105 (CAS. NO. [133710-62-0]; Midori KagakuCo., Ltd.); EPI-105 (CAS. NO. [135133-12-9]; Midori Kagaku Co., Ltd.);UVACURE1591(Daicel UCB Co., Ltd.); and ESACURE-1064 (Lamberty Co.,Ltd.).

Among these compounds, preferable photo-acid generating agents are oniumsalts. Examples of onium salts useful in this case are diazonium salts,phosphonium salts and sulfonium salts having, as a counter ion,fluoroboric acid anion, hexafluoroantimonic acid anion,hexafluoroarsenic acid anion, trifluoromethane sulfonate anion,paratoluene sulfonate anion or paranitrotoluene sulfonate anion. Inparticular, it is preferable that the photo-acid generating agentcomprises onium salts represented by the following general formulas (3)and (4). These photo-acid generating agents are advantageous in terms ofboth sensitivity and stability.

-   -   wherein R6, R7, R8, R9 and R10 individually represents either        aromatic group or functional group having a chalcogenide atom        and an aromatic group; C1 and C2 individually represents a        chalcogenide atom; A4 and A5 individually represents anion        species selected from the group consisting of PF₆ ⁻, SbF₆ ⁻, BF₄        ⁻, AsF₆ ⁻, CF₃SO₃ ⁻, C₄F₉SO₃ ⁻ and CH₃SO₃ ⁻; and m and n        individually represents an integer. Incidentally, the term        “chalcogenide atom” means a chalcogen atom and other atoms which        are more positive than the chalcogen atoms. Further, “chalcogen        atom” means to include sulfur, selenium, tellurium, polonium and        iodine atoms.

The onium salts represented by the aforementioned general formulas (3)and (4) are high in curing reactivity and excellent in stability at theordinary temperature. Therefore, the onium salts are capable ofsuppressing the curing of the aforementioned liquid ink under theconditions where light is not irradiated thereto.

If the compounds represented by the aforementioned general formulas (3)and (4) are to be employed as a photo-acid generating agent, theaforementioned chalcogenide atom should preferably be selected fromsulfur atom and iodine atom in view of securing the thermal stability ofthe photo-acid generating agent and the stability thereof to water. Inthis case, the anion species should preferably be formed of anon-organic acid, in particular, formed of PF₆ ⁻ in view of securingsuitable acidity and thermal stability. Further, it is especiallypreferable to employ hexafluorophosphate compounds having aphenylsulfonium skeleton in view of concurrently improving thephotosensitivity of the photo-acid generating agent.

The photo-acid generating agent may further contain, if required, asensitizing dye. Examples of such a sensitizing dye include acridinecompounds, benzofuravins, perylene, anthracene and laser dyes.

Further, it is possible to suitably employ acid esters havingphotodissociating property as a photo-acid generating agent. Specificexamples of such esters include orthonitrobenzyl ester of alumi silanol.

The mixing ratio of the photo-acid generating agent in the liquid inkmay be suitably selected depending on the acid generating efficiency ofthe photo-acid generating agent as well as on the quantity of the colorcomponent. For example, when the concentration of the pigment in theliquid ink is about 5% by weight, the mixing ratio of the photo-acidgenerating agent may be confined generally within the range of 1 to 10parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of a solvent which can bepolymerized in the presence of the acid included in the liquid ink. Ifthe mixing ratio of the photo-acid generating agent is less than 1 partby weight per 100 parts by weight of the solvent for the photo-acidgenerating agent, the sensitivity of the ink-jet recording ink would bedeteriorated. On the other hand, if the mixing ratio of the photo-acidgenerating agent exceeds 10 parts by weight, the increase in viscositywith time of the ink would be intensified thereby degrading the coatingproperties of the ink and lowering the hardness of the ink film that hasbeen photo-cured. Further, there is possibility that the piping or thehead members of recording apparatus corrode. In view of this, the mixingratio of the photo-acid generating agent should preferably be confinedwithin the range of 2 to 8 parts by weight, more preferably 2 to 6 partsby weight. When the mixing ratio of the photo-acid generating agent canbe confined within this more preferable range, it would be preferable insecuring the storage stability of ink or in minimizing the corrosion ofthe piping and the head members.

Since the aforementioned liquid ink is a photosensitive ink whichrequires the application of heating, the volatility of ink shouldpreferably be as low as possible in viewpoint of safety and odor. Morespecifically, the rate of volatilization of ink after the exposurethereof and at a temperature of 80° C. should preferably be confined to0.2 mg/cm²·min or less. The quantity of volatilization herein is aquantity of volatilization (mg) per minute that will be generated when avessel having an opening area of 10 cm² for instance is heated. Althoughthis quantity of volatilization varies depending on the size of theopening of the vessel, this value is usually defined as a value that canbe obtained when a Petri dish having a diameter of 6 cm and containing 4g of ink therein is heated under the ordinary pressure. When the ink isformed of a composition which is incapable of securing theaforementioned range, the rate of volatilization in the process ofheating would become too large, thus obstructing the safety and makingthe odor more severe. On the other hand, the ink is formulated such thatthe volatility thereof is very poor, e.g. 0.00001 mg/cm²·min or less,the viscosity of the ink would be increased in general so that there ismuch possibility that the delivery of ink-jet would become difficult.

As already explained, the liquid ink to be prepared from the pigmentdispersion according to the embodiments of the present invention shouldpreferably be formulated so as to have a fluidity of at least 30 mPa.sat the ordinary temperatures. In order to enable the ink to have theaforementioned properties, the viscosity nt represented by the followingformula (B) should preferably be confined within the range of 3 (mPa.s)to 30 (mPa.s), more preferably 5 (mPa.s) to 25 (mPa.s), if “n” kinds ofacid-polymerizable compounds are mixed together for inclusion in the inkas described above.η_(t)=exp(χ₁·1n(η₁)+χ₂·1n(η₂)+χ₃·1n(η₃)+. . . +χ_(n)·1n(η_(n)))   (B)

-   -   (wherein χ₁, χ₂, χ₃ . . . χ_(n) represent weight ratios of each        of the components; and η₁, η₂, η₃ . . . η_(n) represent the        viscosity of the individual component at the ordinary        temperature and the ordinary pressure)

If the viscosity η_(t) is failed to fall within this range, the deliveryof ink may become very difficult or disturbance of image may occur dueto irregular delivery of ink.

The aforementioned ink can be cured by the irradiation of light to forman ink layer. Especially, when this liquid ink includes in itscomponents a large number of alicyclic or aliphatic skeletons, the inklayer that has been cured is enabled to exhibit a sufficient plasticityand to resolve. Therefore, after the formation of ink layer through thedelivery of the liquid ink onto the surface of an image carrier, thisink layer can be subsequently transferred onto a recording medium.Namely, after an ink layer is formed on an image carrier by deliveringthe liquid ink, the resultant ink layer is subjected to the irradiationof light and heating to cure the ink layer. Then, under the conditionwhere this ink layer is contacted with a recording medium, a suitabledegree of pressure with or without accompaniment of heating is appliedonto this ink layer to refluidize or plasticize the ink layer, thusmaking it possible to transfer the ink layer onto a recording medium.

Further, when the liquid ink is directly delivered onto the surface of arecording medium, an ink layer thus formed on the surface of therecording medium is cured or pre-cured by the application of lightirradiation or heating, after which the resultant ink layer is furthersubjected to heating to accomplish the main curing of the ink layer,thereby making it possible to fix the ink layer onto the recordingmedium.

The liquid ink-jet ink should desirably be high in stability in deliveryof ink-jet. However, the dispersion as well as the liquid ink precursoraccording to the embodiments of the present invention are generallyinclined to become high in the increase with time of viscosity so thatthe preferable properties of them can be retained only a short period oftime if they are left as they are. Therefore, it is desirable that thedispersion and the liquid ink precursor additionally contain, as aviscosity stabilizing agent, a basic compound and/or a compound capableof expressing basicity. If carbon black is employed as a colorcomponent, the effects of these viscosity stabilizing agents can beexhibited more prominently. Moreover, since these basic compounds areconcurrently capable of effectively protecting not only the interior ofthe ink-jet head of recording apparatus but also the metal portions ofthe piping for the ink from being eroded by acids, the employment ofthese basic compounds are preferable in any kinds of the liquid inkprecursors according to the embodiments of the present invention.

As for the aforementioned basic compound, it is possible to employ anyinorganic basic materials as well as organic basic materials which arecapable of being dissolved in a solvent to be polymerized in thepresence of an acid. However, in view of solubility, the employment oforganic basic materials is more preferable. Specific examples of suchorganic basic materials include ammonia compound, ammonium compounds,substituted or unsubstituted alkylamine, substituted or unsubstitutedaromatic amine, pyridine, pyrimidine, and organic amines having ahetrocyclic skeleton such as imidazole. More specific examples of suchorganic basic materials include n-hexyl amine, dodecyl amine, aniline,dimethyl aniline, diphenyl amine, triphenyl amine, diazabicyclooctane,diazabicycloundecane, 3-phenyl pyridine, 4-phenyl pyridine, lutidine,2,6-di-t-butylpyridine, and sulfonyl hydrazides such as 4-methylbenzenesulfonyl hydrazide, 4,4′-oxybis(benzenesulfonyl hydrazide) and1,3-benzenesulfonyl hydrazide.

Ammonium compounds can be also employed as a basic compound. Preferableexamples of the ammonium compounds are quaternary ammonium salts. Forexample, various substituent groups such as methyl, ethyl, propyl,isopropyl, butyl, dodecyl, phenyl and benzyl can be preferably employedas a substituent group for an ammonium atom, and various anions such ashydroxyl ion, ⁻OR (R is alkyl having 1 to 4 carbon atoms), ⁻OCOR′ (R′ isalkyl, aryl or alkylaryl), OCOO⁻ and OSOO⁻ can be preferably employed asa counter ion. Especially preferable examples of the basic compound aretetramethyl ammonium hydroxide and ammonium salt of tetrabutylhydroxide. These basic compounds can be employed singly or incombination of two or more.

However, if a basic compound which is very strong in basicity such asimidazole is employed in this case, polymerization with time may occuror otherwise, a side reaction such as decomposition of photo-acidgenerating agent may be likely to take place. On the other hand, if abasic compound which is very weak in basicity is employed in this case,it would become difficult to sufficiently secure the effect ofstabilizing the. viscosity of ink through the addition of the basiccompound. For example, it is preferable to employ basic compoundsexhibiting a base dissociation constant pKb of 4 or more at atemperature of 25° C. and in a state of suitable aqueous solutionthereof. However, if the pKb of the basic compounds is higher than 11,such compounds would be incapable of exhibiting the effect ofstabilizing the viscosity of ink. Examples of basic compounds which arecapable of satisfying the aforementioned conditions are pyridinederivatives, aniline derivatives, aminonaphthalene derivatives, othernitrogen-containing heterocyclic compounds and the derivatives thereof.

Specific examples of the pyridine derivatives include 2-fluoropyridine,3-fluoropyridine, 2-chloropyridine, 3-chloropyridine, 3-phenylpyridine,2-benzylpyridine, 2-formylpyridine, 2-(2′-pyridyl) pyridine,3-acetylpyridine, 2-bromopyridine, 3-bromopyridine, 2-iodopyridine,3-iodopyridine, and 2,6-di-tert-butylpyridine.

Specific examples of the aniline derivatives include aniline,4-(p-aminobenzoyl) aniline, 4-benzylaniline,4-chloro-N,N-dimethylaniline, 3-5-dibromoaniline, 2,4-dichloroaniline,N,N-dimethylaniline, N,N-dimethyl-3-nitroaniline, N-ethylaniline,2-fluoroaniline, 3-fluoroaniline, 4-fluoroaniline, 2-iodoaniline,N-methylaniline, 4-methylthioaniline, 2-bromoaniline, 3-bromoaniline,4-bromoaniline, 4-bromo-N,N-dimethylaniline, 2-chloroaniline,3-chloroaniline, 4-chloroaniline, 3-chloro-N,N-dimethylaniniline,3-nitroaniline, 4-nitroaniline, 2-methoxyaniline, 3-methoxyaniline,diphenylamine, 2-biphenylamine, o-toluidine, m-toluidine, p-toluidine,3,3′-diaminodiphenyl sulfone, 4,4′-diaminodiphenyl sulfone, and4,4′-bis(4-aminophenoxy) diphenyl sulfone.

Specific examples of the aminonaphthalene derivatives include, forexample, 1-amino-6-hydroxynaphthalene, 1-naphthylamine, 2-naphthylamine,diethylaminonaphthalene, and N-methyl-1-naphthylamine.

Specific examples-of other nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compoundsand the derivatives thereof include, for example, cinnoline,3-acetylpiperidine, pyrazine, 2-methylpyraxzine, methylaminopyrazine,pyridazine, 2-aminopyrimidine, 2-amino-4,6-dimethylpyrimidine,2-amino-5-nitropyrimidine, 2,4,6-triamino-1,3,5-triazine, pyrrol,pyrazole, 1-methylpyrazole, 1,2,4-triazole, indazole, benzotriazole,quinazoline, quinoline, 3-aminoquinoline, 3-bromoquinoline,8-carboxyquinoline, 3-hydroxyquinoline, 6-methoxyquinoline,5-methylquinoline, quinoxaline, thiazole, 2-aminothiazole,3,4-diazaindole, purine, 8-azapurine, indole and indolizine.

Among them, the employment of aniline derivatives as the aforementionedbasic compound is especially preferable in terms of viscosity stability,volatility, basicity and low side-reaction.

However, since the aforementioned aniline compounds are relatively lowbasicity, the employment thereof in combination with a monomer havingoxetane group and exhibiting basicity per se is not preferable ingeneral. The oxetane compound should preferable be selected from thoseexhibiting such a high basicity that the pKb thereof at 25° C. isconfined within the range of 3 to 7. For example, basic compounds suchas amine having an aliphatic skeleton or amine having an alicyclicskeleton can be suitably employed.

When the aforementioned basic compounds are capable of forming a saltwith an anion as represented by the following general formula (5) and ifthe acidity of the anion is relatively low, the basic compounds will beenabled to exhibit a weak basicity, and therefore the basic compoundscan be employed likewise.

-   -   wherein A⁻ is a compound having a sulfonate anion or a carboxyl        anion; and R²¹, R²², R²³ and R²⁴ may be the same or different        and are individually a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic        group, hydrogen atom, hydroxyl group, or a substituted or        unsubstituted alkyl group.

Since the main ink may be sometimes heated subsequent to the exposurethereof, these basic compounds should preferably be as low as possiblein volatility. More specifically, the boiling point of these basiccompounds should preferably be 150° C. or more, more preferably 180° C.or more.

The basic compound or the compound capable of expressing basicity in theliquid ink or a precursor thereof containing a pigment dispersion shouldpreferably be included in the liquid ink or in the precursor thereof ata ratio ranging from 1 mol % to 30 mol %, more preferably from 2 mol %to 15 mol % based on a total molar quantity of the photo-acid generatingagent. If the content of the basic compound or of the compound capableof expressing basicity falls outside this range, the sensitivity of theink or the precursor would be remarkably deteriorated or the effect ofstabilizing the viscosity of the ink or the precursor would be lost.

The employment of a photo-sensitive basic compound that can bedecomposed by the irradiation of light or radiation would be preferablesince the deterioration of sensitivity due to the addition of a basicmaterial can be minimized.

As for the photo-sensitive basic compound, it is possible to preferablyemploy sulfonium compounds and iodonium compounds. As for the sulfoniumcompounds, the compounds represented by the following general formulas(SS1) to (SS4) can be exemplified.

-   -   wherein R³¹, R³² and R³³ may be the same or different and are        individually an alkyl group, aryl group, heteroaryl group,        heteroalkyl group, alkylaryl group, halogen atom, alkoxy group,        phenoxy group, thiophenol group, phenylsulfonyl-substituted aryl        group or phenylsulfenyl-substituted aryl group; Y is CH₂, O or        S; R³⁴, R³⁵, R³⁶ and R³⁷ may be the same or different and are        individually an alkyl group, alkoxy group or halogen atom; and        X1⁻ represents a basic anion.

Preferable examples of R³¹, R³² and R³³ include methyl, ethyl, propyl,isopropyl, butyl, phenyl, biphenyl, tolyl, xylyl, chlorophenyl,bromophenyl, methoxyphenyl, ethoxyphenyl, propyloxyphenyl,butyloxyphenyl, tert-butyloxyphenyl, phenoxyphenyl, thiophenoxyphenyl,phenoxyphenyl, thiophenoxyphenyl and phenylsulfonylphenyl.

Preferable examples of R³⁴, R³⁵, R³⁶ and R³⁷ include an alkyl group,methoxy group, ethoxy group, chlorine atom and bromine atom.

Specific examples of X1⁻ include anions such as a hydroxyl ion, ⁻OR (Ris an alkyl having 1 to 4 carbon atoms), ⁻OCOR′ (R′ is an alkyl, aryl oralkylaryl), OCOO⁻ and OSOO⁻.

As for the iodonium compounds, the compounds represented by thefollowing general formulas (IS1) to (IS3) can be exemplified.

-   -   wherein R³⁸ and R³⁹ may be the same or different and are        individually an alkyl group, aryl group, heteroaryl group,        heteroalkyl group, alkylaryl group, halogen atom, alkoxy group,        phenoxy group, thiophenol group, phenylsulfonyl-mono, di or        tri-substituted aryl group or phenylsulfenyl-mono, di or        tri-substituted aryl group; Y is CH₂, O or S; R⁴⁰, R⁴¹, R⁴² and        R⁴³ may be the same or different and are individually an alkyl        group, alkoxy group or halogen atom; and X2⁻ represents a basic        anion.

Preferable examples of R³⁸ and R³⁹ include methyl, ethyl, propyl,isopropyl, butyl, phenyl, biphenyl, tolyl, xylyl, chlorophenyl,bromophenyl, methoxyphenyl, ethoxyphenyl, propyloxyphenyl,butyloxyphenyl, tert-butyloxyphenyl, phenoxyphenyl, thiophenoxyphenyl,phenoxyphenyl, thiophenoxyphenyl and phenylsulfonylphenyl.

Preferable examples of R⁴⁰, R⁴¹, R⁴² and R⁴³ include an alkyl group,methoxy group, ethoxy group, chlorine atom and bromine atom.

Specific examples of X2⁻ include anions such as a hydroxyl ion, ⁻OR (Ris an alkyl having 1 to 4 carbon atoms), ⁻OCOR′ (R′ is an alkyl, aryl oralkylaryl), OCOO⁻ and OSOO⁻.

Especially preferable examples of such sulfonium compounds and iodoniumcompounds are triphenylsulfonium acetate, triphenyl sulfonium hydroxide,triphenyl sulfonium phenolate, tris-(4-methylphenyl) sulfoniumhydroxide, tris-(4-methylphenyl) sulfonium acetate,tris-(4-methylphenyl) sulfonium phenolate, diphenyl iodonium hydroxide,diphenyl iodonium acetate, diphenyl iodonium phenolate,bis-(4-t-butylphenyl) iodonium hydroxide, bis-(4-t-butylphenyl) iodoniumacetate, bis-(4-t-butylphenyl) iodonium phenolate,thiophenyl-substituted triphenylsulfonium acetate, andthiophenyl-substituted triphenylsulfonium hydroxide.

In addition to the aforementioned basic compounds, it is also possibleto incorporate other basic compounds into the ink. Further, if oniumsalts are to be employed as a photo-acid generating agent, thephoto-acid generating agent should preferably be selected from thosewhich are similar in kinds to the basic compound. For example, if thephoto-acid generating agent and the basic compound are both formed ofsulfonium compounds or iodonium compounds, it would be possible toobtain excellent effects in terms of sensitivity and shelf lifestability.

Alternatively, it is also possible to preferably employ a compound whichis not inherently basic but is capable of generating a basic compoundthrough the decomposition thereof with time, since the basic compoundthus generated can act to neutralize acids that may gradually generate.Specific examples of such a compound include NBC-101 (trade name; MidoriKagaku Co., Ltd.), carbamate compounds such asα,α-dimethyl-3,5-dimethoxybenzyl carbamate.

The pigment dispersions as well as the liquid ink precursors accordingto the embodiments of the present invention can be obtained in asuitable dispersion state by using a capsulized pigment itself. However,in order to further enhance the dispersibility of pigment, a smallquantity of ordinary dispersing agents such as a nonionic or ionicsurfactant and an antistatic agent can be incorporated in the pigmentdispersions as well as in the liquid ink precursors. High-moleculardispersing agents having almost the same properties as theaforementioned dispersing agents, such as acrylic polymer and polyvinylalcohol, can be also suitably employed. However, when a cationicdispersing agent is employed as a dispersing agent, it is preferable toselect a compound whose acidity is lower than that of carboxylic acid.The reason is that some kinds of cationic dispersing agents may promotethe curing dark reaction of the ink. Further, those kinds of dispersingagents and dyes that exhibit strong basicity are undesirable as they notonly degrade the sensitivity of ink but also promote the curing darkreaction occasionally. Therefore, the dispersing agents shouldpreferably be selected from those exhibiting nearly neutrality or fromnonionic dispersing agents.

In the preparation of the liquid ink according to the embodiments of thepresent invention, it should preferably be prepared so as not to containany volatile component such as water and organic solvents. However,organic solvents which are relatively safe such as methylethyl ketone,propylene glycol-based solvents and ethyl lactate may be containedtherein in a very little quantity for the purpose of preventing theprecipitation with time of the aforementioned photo-acid generatingagents. In particular, the inclusion of not more than 5% (based on anentire volume of dispersion medium) of ketone-based organic solvent suchas methylethyl ketone is desirable in viewpoint of enhancing thedispersion stability of ink.

Further, if the ink-jet recording apparatus is provided with a gasexhausting mechanism or a solvent recovery mechanism for instance, arelative large quantity of organic solvents may be contained in thesolution for the purpose of obtaining desired printed matters. In thiscase, it is preferable, in safety viewpoint, to employ water, alcoholssuch as ethanol and propanol, or petroleum components such as isoper andterpene.

As already explained above, the liquid ink to be prepared from thepigment dispersions according to the embodiments of the presentinvention depends largely on the chemical amplification mechanism.Namely, an acid generates from a photo-acid generating agent due to theexposure thereof, and the acid thus generated is diffused due to theheating thereof, thus enabling the acid to function as a catalyst forthe crosslinking reaction or polymerization reaction. Therefore, in thecase of this liquid ink, the presence of basic ions in a great magnitudewould become a cause for deteriorating the sensitivity of the ink.Therefore, attention should be paid so that the liquid ink can beprevented from being contaminated by a large quantity of basic ions notonly in the process of preparing the liquid ink but also even in theprocess of manufacturing each of the constituent components.

Since pigment is dispersed in a form of specific resin-coated pigment byusing a specific dispersion medium, the pigment dispersion according tothe embodiments of the present invention can be made appropriate inviscosity and excellent in dispersion stability. The ink for UV-curingtype ink-jet recording that can be prepared by using such a pigmentdispersion is minimal in changes of viscosity and excellent in stabilityof components, thus obviating the problem of dispersion deterioration.Therefore, then this ink is used in the ink-jet recording, the printingcan be performed without generating any delivery error of ink, therebymaking it possible to obtain printed matters which are excellent inquality and hence free from missing of images.

Next, the method of ink-jet recording according one embodiment of thepresent invention will be explained with reference to FIG. 1.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a typical ink-jet recording apparatusemployed for performing the ink-jet recording by the method according toone embodiment of the present invention. The ink-jet recording apparatus1 shown in FIG. 1 is provided with a transferring mechanism 3 fortransferring a recording medium 2. Along the running direction of thetransferring mechanism 3, there are successively disposed, starting fromthe upstream side to the downstream side, an ink-jet type recording head4, a light source 5 and a heater as a heating mechanism 6.

With respect to the recording medium (or an article to which printing isapplied) 2, there is not any particular limitation on the kinds thereofas long as printing can be performed on the recording medium 2. Namely,it is possible to employ, as the recording medium 2, various materialsincluding paper, an OHP sheet, a resin film, non-woven fabric, a porousfilm, a plastic plate, a circuit board and a metallic substrate.

The transferring mechanism 3 is constructed so as to enable therecording medium 2 to pass through the recording head 4, the lightsource 5 and the front side of heater 6. In this case, the transferringmechanism 3 is designed such that the recording medium 2 can betransferred from the right side to the left side in the drawing. Thistransferring mechanism 3 can be constituted for example by a belt and/ora roller for transferring the recording medium 2, and a drivingmechanism for driving the belt and/or the roller. Further, thistransferring mechanism 3 may be further provided with a guiding memberfor assisting the transfer of the recording medium 2.

The recording head 4 is so as to deliver a liquid ink onto the surfaceof the recording medium 2 according to image signals, thereby forming anink layer. As for the recording head 4, it is possible to employ aserial scanning type head mounted on a carriage or a line scanning typehead having a width larger than that of the recording head 4. From theviewpoint of achieving high-speed printing, the latter is generally moreadvantageous as compared with the former. With respect to the method ofdelivering a liquid ink from the recording head 4, there is notparticular limitation. For example, by using the pressure of vapor to begenerated by the heat of a heating element, the droplets of ink can beejected. Alternatively, by using a mechanical pressure pulse to begenerated from a piezoelectric element, the droplets of ink can beejected.

The light source 5 irradiates light to the ink layer formed on thesurface of the recording medium 2, thus enabling acid to generate fromthe ink layer. As for the light source 5, it is possible to employ amercury lamp such as a low, medium or high pressure mercury lamp; atungsten lamp; an arc lamp; an excimer lamp; an excimer laser, asemiconductor laser; a YAG laser; a laser system constituted by acombination of laser and non-linear optical crystal; a high-frequencyinduction ultraviolet generating apparatus; an electron beam irradiatingapparatus; an X-ray irradiating apparatus; etc. Among them, theemployment of the high-frequency induction ultraviolet generatingapparatus and the high/low pressure mercury lamp or the semiconductorlaser would be more preferable, since these devices are advantageous insimplifying the system involved. The light source 5 may be provided witha converging mirror or a sweeping optical system.

The heater 6 employed as a heating mechanism heat the ink layer formedon the recording medium 2, thus promoting the crosslinking reactionusing an acid as a catalyst. As for this heater 6, it is possible toemploy an infrared lamp; a roller (heat roller) housing therein aheating element; a blower for ejecting hot air or heated air; etc.

By using the aforementioned apparatus 1, the printing to the recordingmedium can be performed by the following method.

First of all, by the transferring mechanism 3, the recording medium 2 istransferred from the right side to the left side in the drawing. Thetransferring speed of the recording medium 2 may be confined for examplewithin the range of 0.1 m/min to 100 m/min.

As the recording medium 2 is transferred up to a location in front ofthe recording head 4, the aforementioned liquid ink is delivered fromthe recording head 4 according to the image signals. As a result, aprescribed ink layer (not shown) is formed on the recording medium 2.

Then, the recording medium 2 having the ink layer formed thereon istransferred to a location in front of the light source 5. At the momentwhen the recording medium 2 passes through a location in front of thelight source 5, light is irradiated from the light source 5 to the inklayer formed on the recording medium 2, thereby an acid generates in theink layer. Incidentally, the intensity of irradiated beam at the surfaceof ink layer may be confined generally within the range of severalmW/cm² to 1 KW/cm² though this range may be varied depending on thewavelength of the light source to be employed. The quantity of exposureto the ink layer can be optionally determined depending on thesensitivity of liquid ink or on the transferring speed of the printingmatter (i.e., the transferring speed of the recording medium 2).

Thereafter, the recording medium 2 is transferred to the interior of orin the vicinity of the heater 6. At the moment when the recording medium2 passes through the interior of or in the vicinity of the heater 6, theink layer formed on the recording medium 2 is heated by the heater 6 topromote the crosslinking reaction in the ink layer. Incidentally, in theapparatus shown in FIG. 1, the heating time by the heater 6 is generallyrelatively short, i.e. ranging from several seconds to several tensseconds. Accordingly, if it is desired that the curing of the ink layeris substantially completely accomplished by the heater 6, the heatingshould be performed with the maximum ultimate temperature beingcontrolled to become relatively high, i.e., 200° C. or less, morepreferably within the range of 80° C. to 200° C., most preferably withinthe range of about 60° C. to 180° C.

Subsequently, the recording medium 2 is transferred to the interior ofstocker (or vessel) (not shown), thus finishing the printing.

The heating mechanism for heating the ink layer may not be restricted tothe heater 6 which is disposed at a downstream side of the light sourceas shown in FIG. 1. For example, the light source 5 may be utilized as aheating source by moving the light source 5 close to recording medium 2on the occasion of irradiating light to the ink layer while taking careso as not to damage the printing surface. Likewise, it is also possibleto utilize the light source as a heating source by omitting theprovision of a heat-dissipating mechanism such as a cold mirror. When ahigh-output bulb of several hundreds watts is employed as a lightsource, a cooling mechanism which must be provided together with thelight source can be modified so as to intentionally return the wasteheat to the surface of printing paper. More specifically, part of thewaste heat mechanism of the cooling mechanism is modified so as toprovide a mechanism which makes it possible to return the waste heat tothe printing paper as described above. By the provision of such amechanism, the ink layer can be heated by using heat to be generatedfrom the light source.

For example, by reintroducing an air flow which has been utilized forcooling the light source onto the surface of printing paper or into theinterior of transferring/sustaining mechanism, it will be possible toobtain a mechanism which corresponds to a light source having an outputof not less than one hundred watts and provided with a heatingmechanism. The ultimate temperature of the recording medium that can berealized through the recirculation of heat of the light source may besuch that makes it possible to obtain the same degree of effect asobtainable from the heating by the aforementioned heater. Although itdepends on the heating time, a preferable range of temperature may begenerally at least 60° C., more preferably within the range of 80° C. to100° C. When the speed of exposure is relatively high, e.g., severalmeters/sec., the ultimate temperature may be as high as 180° C. or sosince the recording medium will be heated instantaneously.

When a light source which is capable of generating infrared ray inaddition to the visible light is employed as the light source 5 forinstance, the irradiation of light and the heating to the recordingmedium can be concurrently performed. The employment of such a lightsource is preferable since it will promote the curing of ink layer.

Since the ink layer is heated also from the heat to be generated fromthe light source 5 as the ink layer is irradiated with light, theheating mechanism may not necessarily be installed as an independentmember as in the case of the heater 6. However, if only the heat fromthe light source 5 is utilized for heating the ink layer and then theheated ink layer is left to stand at the ordinary temperature forcompletely curing the ink layer, it will take a long time. Therefore,the standing of ink layer at the ordinary temperature should preferablybe applied to only on the occasions where sufficiently a long period oftime can be secured for complete curing of the ink layer. For example,in the case of the printed matters such as newspaper which will bedistributed next day, it is possible to secure such a long time as abouta whole day and night for curing the ink layer, and therefore it ispossible to completely cure the ink layer even if the ink layer is leftto stand at the ordinary temperature.

The images to be obtained by using the aforementioned recording methodand ink would be excellent not only in quality of printing but also incuring property, thus making them excellent in three respects, i.e.,hardness, adhesion and sun-proof.

Next, embodiments of the present invention will be explained in detailby referring to the following specific examples.

EXAMPLE I Manufacture of Surface-modified Pigments

Various pigments were surface-treated to allow a sulfonic group to bondthereto to manufacture sulfonated pigments.

EXAMPLE I-1

A mixed solution comprising 100 g of carbon black, and 0.1 mol ofvanadium acetylacetonate [V(acac)3] was stirred in chloroform for 4hours at a temperature of 60° C. while treating the mixture with anultrasonic dispersion head of 24 KHz and 300 W in an atmospherecomprising sulfur dioxide (SO₂) (0.5 atm=50.5 kPa) and oxygen (0.5atm=50.5 kPa). The reaction solution was then washed with water andthen, chloroform was fractionated.

By removing chloroform under a reduced pressure, surface-modified carbonblack (I-K) was obtained and dried under a reduced pressure. By EDXelemental analysis, the sulfonic acid-modification ratio was identifiedand estimated as being 1.4% of the entire surface of carbon black. Abroad absorption was appeared in the vicinity of 3200 cm⁻¹ of IRabsorption, and at the same time, indications of the generation of ahydroxyl group was recognized on the surface of the carbon black.

When the aforementioned procedures were applied to several kinds ofcarbon black (CB) available in the market, the manufacture of carbonblack modified with a sulfonic acid group in the same manner asdescribed above was recognized in each sample.

EXAMPLE I-2

A surface-modified yellow pigment (I-Y) was obtained by repeating thesame procedures as described in the aforementioned Example I-1 exceptthat Pigment Yellow 180 was substituted for carbon black. By EDXelemental analysis, the sulfonic acid-modification ratio was identifiedand estimated as being 0.9% of the entire surface of the yellow pigment,and at the same time, indications of the generation of a hydroxyl groupwas recognized on the surface of the yellow pigment.

When the aforementioned procedures were applied to several kinds ofbenzimidazolone pigment available in the market, the manufacture of theyellow pigment modified with a sulfonic acid group in the same manner asdescribed above was recognized in each sample.

EXAMPLE I-3

A surface-modified magenta pigment (I-M) was obtained by repeating thesame procedures as described in the aforementioned Example I-1 exceptthat Pigment Red 122 was substituted for carbon black. By EDX elementalanalysis, the sulfonic acid-modification ratio was identified andestimated as being 1.2% of the entire surface of the magenta pigment,and at the same time, indications of the generation of a hydroxyl groupwas recognized on the surface of the magenta pigment.

When the aforementioned procedures were applied to several kinds ofquinacridone pigment available in the market, the manufacture of themagenta pigment modified with a sulfonic acid group in the same manneras described above was recognized in each sample.

EXAMPLE I-4

A surface-modified cyan pigment (I-C) was obtained by repeating the sameprocedures as described in the aforementioned Example I-1 except thatPigment Blue 15:3 was substituted for carbon black. By EDX elementalanalysis, the sulfonic acid-modification ratio was identified andestimated as being 1.8% of the entire surface of the cyan pigment, andat the same time, indications of the generation of a hydroxyl group wasrecognized on the surface of the cyan pigment.

When the aforementioned procedures were applied to several kinds ofphthalocyanine pigment available in the market, the manufacture of thecyan pigment modified with a sulfonic acid group in the same manner asdescribed above was recognized in each sample.

By using the surface-modified pigment thus obtained, a pigmentdispersion where capsulized pigment was dispersed was prepared by thefollowing procedures.

EXAMPLE II Manufacture of Pigment Dispersion

60 g of the surface-modified carbon black which was manufactured inExample I-1 was added to 1500 g of pure water and stirred to obtain aslurry. Then, to this slurry, 60 g of toluene having epoxy resin(Epolead available from Daicel Chemical Industries Ltd.) dissolvedtherein was added little by little and stirred. Since the carbon blackwhich was dispersed in water was permitted to gradually shift to tolueneside, the carbon black was separated by filtration and dried in vacuum.Subsequently, by ozone treatment, the surface of the carbon black wassubjected to a reaggregation-preventing treatment, thus obtainingcapsulized black pigment (II-K). When this black pigment was observed bya transmission electron microscope (TEM), it was possible to confirm theformation of a capsule-like film of epoxy resin on the surface of thepigment.

Further, the same procedures as described above were repeated exceptthat the surface-modified carbon black was replaced by thesurface-modified yellow pigment (I-Y), the surface-modified magentapigment (I-M) or the surface-modified cyan pigment (I-C). As a result,it was possible to obtain a capsulized yellow pigment (II-Y), acapsulized magenta pigment (II-M) and a capsulized cyan pigment (II-C).

Next, by changing the quantity of epoxy resin to be employed, variouspigments were prepared. Further, by using zirconia bead 0.3 mm indiameter and a bead mill, each of the pigments was re-dispersed inmethylethyl ketone (MEK) employed as a pre-dispersion medium to obtain adispersion precursor, respectively. To each of these dispersionprecursors, an equivalent quantity of limonene dioxide (Celloxide 3000available from Daicel Chemical Industries Ltd.) was added as maindispersing agent. The resultant mixture was stirred for one hour andthen heated one hour with stirring at a temperature of 50° C. and apressure of 50 mmHg, which was followed by a 3-hour heating at apressure of 5 mmHg to remove MEK. In this manner, various pigmentdispersions as shown in the following Table 1 were manufactured. In eachof the pigment dispersions obtained in this example, the capsulizedpigment was dispersed in limonene dioxide employed as a dispersingagent.

Furthermore, untreated carbon black was directly dispersed in limonenedioxide to prepare a dispersion of Comparative Example 1 as shown in thefollowing Table 1. TABLE 1 Symbols of Kinds of Ratio of Ratio ofDispersion pigments pigments pigments (%) resin (%) medium RemarksII-K(5) CB 27 5 C3000 Dispersion stability bad II-K(10) CB 27 10 C3000II-K(20) CB 27 20 C3000 II-K(30) CB 27 30 C3000 II-K(35) CB 27 35 C3000Viscosity high II-K(A) CB 1 30 C3000 Poor in concentration of colorII-K(B) CB 3 30 C3000 Require a little more concentration of colorII-K(C) CB 10 30 C3000 II-K(D) CB 30 30 C3000 II-K(E) CB 35 30 C3000Partial precipitation observed II-Y(10) P.Y.180 27 10 C3000 Dispersionstability bad II-Y(15) P.Y.180 27 15 C3000 II-Y(30) P.Y.180 27 30 C3000II-Y(40) P.Y.180 27 40 C3000 Viscosity slightly high II-Y(45) P.Y.180 2745 C3000 Viscosity high II-C(5) P.B.15:3 27 5 C3000 Dispersion stabilitybad II-C(10) P.B.15:3 27 10 C3000 II-C(20) P.B.15:3 27 20 C3000 II-C(30)P.B.15:3 27 30 C3000 II-C(35) P.B.15:3 27 35 C3000 Viscosity highII-C(A) P.B.15:3 1 30 C3000 Poor in concentration of color II-C(B)P.B.15:3 3 30 C3000 Require a little more concentration of color II-C(C)P.B.15:3 10 30 C3000 II-C(D) P.B.15:3 30 30 C3000 II-C(E) P.B.15:3 35 30C3000 Partial precipitation observed II-M(15) P.R.122 27 15 C3000Dispersion stability bad II-M(20) P.R.122 27 20 C3000 II-M(30) P.R.12227 30 C3000 II-M(40) P.R.122 27 40 C3000 Viscosity slightly highII-M(45) P.R.122 27 45 C3000 Viscosity high Comp. Ex. 1 CB 27 30 C3000Viscosity very high*The content (%) of pigment is based on a total weight of dispersionmedium, and the content (%) of resin is based on the weight of pigment.

EXAMPLE III Manufacture of Pigment Dispersion

To the surface-modified carbon black which was manufactured in ExampleI-1 was added a small quantity of ammonia and heated to modify part ofthe sulfone group. Then, 15 g of this modified pigment, a 50% solutionof a 1:1 mixture comprising acryl-styrene copolymer resin having an acidnumber of 100 and a number average molecular weight of 12500, and MPK(methylpropyl ketone) as a pre-dispersion medium were mixed together andmicro-capsulized while dispersing the mixture by using zirconia bead anda bead mill.

To the resultant reaction liquid thus obtained, 1 g ofdimethylaminoethanol was added to generate a hydrophilic group on thesurface of the capsule. Then, a silane coupling agent was added to thereaction liquid to insolubilize the capsule. Subsequently, the resultantliquid was subjected to reflux aging to obtain an MPK solution(dispersion precursor) of microcapsulized pigment (III-K). Thisdispersion precursor was then dried and observed by a transmissionelectron microscope (TEM), confirming the formation of a capsule-likefilm mainly consisted of acryl-styrene copolymer and melamine resin onthe surface of the pigment.

Further, the same procedures as described in Example I-1 were repeatedexcept that the surface-modified carbon black was replaced by thesurface-modified yellow pigment (I-Y), the surface-modified magentapigment (I-M) or the surface-modified cyan pigment (I-C). As a result,it was possible to obtain an MPK solution (dispersion precursor) of acapsulized yellow pigment (III-Y), a capsulized magenta pigment (III-M)and a capsulized cyan pigment (III-C), respectively.

Next, by changing the quantity of the resin to be employed, variousdispersion precursors were prepared. To each of these dispersionprecursors, an equivalent quantity of cyclohexane-1,4-divinyl ether(CHDV) was added as main dispersing agent. The resultant mixture wasstirred for one hour and then heated one hour with stirring at atemperature of 50° C. and a pressure of 50 mmHg, which was followed by a3-hour heating at a pressure of 5 mmHg to remove MEK. In this manner,various pigment dispersions as shown in the following Table 2 weremanufactured. In each of the pigment dispersions obtained in thisexample, the capsulized pigment was dispersed in cyclohexane-1,4-divinylether (CHDV) employed as a dispersing agent.

Furthermore, untreated carbon black was directly dispersed incyclohexane-1,4-divinyl ether to prepare a dispersion of ComparativeExample 2 as shown in the following Table 2. TABLE 2 Symbols of Kinds ofRatio of Ratio of Dispersion pigments pigments pigments (%) resin (%)medium Remarks III-K(5) CB 25 5 CHDV Dispersion stability bad III-K(10)CB 25 10 CHDV Dispersion stability bad III-K(20) CB 25 20 CHDV III-K(30)CB 25 30 CHDV III-K(35) CB 25 35 CHDV III-Y(10) P.Y.180 25 10 CHDVThixotropic III-Y(15) P.Y.180 25 15 CHDV Dispersion stability badIII-Y(30) P.Y.180 25 30 CHDV III-Y(40) P.Y.180 25 40 CHDV III-Y(45)P.Y.180 25 45 CHDV Thixotropic III-Y(A) P.Y.180 1 30 CHDV Poor inconcentration of color III-Y(B) P.Y.180 3 30 CHDV Require a little moreconcentration of color III-Y(C) P.Y.180 10 30 CHDV III-Y(D) P.Y.180 3030 CHDV III-Y(E) P.Y.180 35 30 CHDV Partial precipitation observedIII-C(5) P.B.15:3 25 5 CHDV Thixotropic III-C(10) P.B.15:3 25 10 CHDVDispersion stability bad III-C(20) P.B.15:3 25 20 CHDV III-C(30)P.B.15:3 25 30 CHDV III-C(35) P.B.15:3 25 35 CHDV III-M(15) P.R.122 2515 CHDV Thixotropic III-M(20) P.R.122 25 20 CHDV Thixotropic III-M(30)P.R.122 25 30 CHDV III-M(40) P.R.122 25 40 CHDV III-M(45) P.R.122 25 45CHDV Thixotropic III-K(30)V CB 25 30 CHV III-K(30) OXT CB 25 30 OXTComp. Ex. 2 CB 25 30 CHDV Cured within several days*The content (%) of pigment is based on a total weight of dispersionmedium, and the content (%) of resin is based on the weight of pigment.

EXAMPLE IV Manufacture of Pigment Dispersion

The surface-modified carbon black (I-K) which was manufactured inExample I-1 and polyester resin having a terminal amino group(Solsperse, Avisia Co., Ltd.) were added to MEK employed as apre-dispersion medium and then, subjected to a preliminary dispersiontreatment by a homogenizer to obtain a dispersion. Then, by usingzirconia bead 0.3 mm in diameter and a bead mill, the dispersion wassubjected to a reflux treatment for one hour to obtain an MEK solutionof microcapsulized pigment (IV-K) (dispersion precursor).

This dispersion precursor was then dried and observed by a transmissionelectron microscope (TEM), confirming the formation of a film made ofpolyester resin on the surface of the pigment.

Further, the same procedures as described in Example I-1 were repeatedexcept that the surface-modified carbon black was replaced by thesurface-modified yellow pigment (I-Y), the surface-modified magentapigment (I-M) or the surface-modified cyan pigment (I-C). As a result,it was possible to obtain an MPK solution (dispersion precursor) of acapsulized yellow pigment (IV-Y), a capsulized magenta pigment (IV-M)and a capsulized cyan pigment (IV-C), respectively.

Next, by changing the quantity of the resin to be employed, variousdispersion precursors were prepared. To each of these dispersionprecursors, an equivalent quantity of neopentane diglycidy ether(SR-NPG, trade name, Sakamoto Yakuhin Co., Ltd.) was added as maindispersing agent. The resultant mixture was stirred for one hour andthen heated one hour with stirring at a temperature of 50° C. and apressure of 50 mmHg, which was followed by a 3-hour heating at apressure of 5 mmHg to remove MEK. In this manner, various pigmentdispersions as shown in the following Table 3 were manufactured. In eachof the pigment dispersions obtained in this example, the capsulizedpigment was dispersed in SR-NPG employed as a dispersing agent.

Furthermore, untreated carbon black was directly dispersed in SR-NPG toprepare a dispersion of Comparative Example 3 as shown in the followingTable 3. TABLE 3 Symbols of Kinds of Ratio of Ratio of Dispersionpigments pigments pigments (%) resin (%) medium Remarks IV-K(5) CB 27 5SR-NPG Dispersion stability bad IV-K(10) CB 27 10 SR-NPG IV-K(20) CB 2720 SR-NPG IV-K(30) CB 27 30 SR-NPG IV-K(35) CB 27 35 SR-NPG Viscosityhigh IV-Y(10) P.Y.180 27 10 SR-NPG Dispersion stability bad IV-Y(15)P.Y.180 27 15 SR-NPG IV-Y(30) P.Y.180 27 30 SR-NPG IV-Y(40) P.Y.180 2740 SR-NPG Viscosity slightly high IV-Y(45) P.Y.180 27 45 SR-NPGViscosity high IV-C(5) P.B.15:3 27 5 SR-NPG Dispersion stability badIV-C(10) P.B.15:3 27 10 SR-NPG IV-C(20) P.B.15:3 27 20 SR-NPG IV-C(30)P.B.15:3 27 30 SR-NPG IV-C(35) P.B.15:3 27 35 SR-NPG Viscosity highIV-M(15) P.R.122 27 15 SR-NPG Dispersion stability bad IV-M(20) P.R.12227 20 SR-NPG IV-M(30) P.R.122 27 30 SR-NPG IV-M(40) P.R.122 27 40 SR-NPGViscosity slightly high IV-M(45) P.R.122 27 45 SR-NPG Viscosity highIV-M(A) P.R.122 1 30 SR-NPG Poor in concentration of color IV-M(B)P.R.122 3 30 SR-NPG Require a little more concentration of color IV-M(C)P.R.122 10 30 SR-NPG IV-M(D) P.R.122 30 30 SR-NPG IV-M(E) P.R.122 35 30SR-NPG Partial precipitation observed Comp. Ex. 3 CB 27 30 SR-NPGViscosity very high*The content (%) of pigment is based on a total weight of dispersionmedium, and the content (%) of resin is based on the weight of pigment.

EXAMPLE V

The pigment dispersions prepared in Examples II to IV were respectivelydiluted by using a dispersion medium. Then, the particle diameter (d₁)after the dilution as well as the particle diameter (d₂) after anaccelerated heating test were investigated. The particle diameter afterthe dilution represents a Z average particle diameter which wasdetermined by the measurement using an HPPS measuring apparatus (MalvernCo., Ltd.), and the particle diameter after the accelerated heating testrepresents a particle diameter after the accelerated heating test whichwas performed after a two-week storage at a temperature of 60° C.

By using the increasing ratio based on the initial particle diameter(d₀), the dispersion stability was evaluated as follows.

(After the dilution) S_(D)=((d₁−d₀)/d₀)

-   -   A: SD<1.2    -   B: 1.2≦SD<2    -   C: SD≧2

(After the accelerated heating test) S_(A)=((d₂−d₀)/d₀)

-   -   A: SA<1.2    -   B: 1.2≦SA<2    -   C: SA≧2

The results obtained are summarized in the following Tables 4 to 6.TABLE 4 After accelerated Initial After dilution test particle ParticleParticle Capsulized diameter diameter diameter pigments (nm) (nm)Stability (nm) Stability Remarks II-K(5) 240 1350 C 650 C Dispersionstability bad II-K(10) 230 245 A 232 A II-K(20) 135 145 A 138 A II-K(30)135 140 A 135 A II-K(35) 250 250 A 340 B Viscosity greatly increased byacceleration II-K(A) 135 140 A 135 A Poor in concentration of colorII-K(B) 135 140 A 135 A Require a little more concentration of colorII-K(C) 135 140 A 135 A II-K(D) 145 145 A 138 A II-K(E) 250 250 A 340 BPrecipitation increased by acceleration II-Y(10) 190 1750 C 760 CDispersion stability bad II-Y(15) 150 154 A 155 A II-Y(30) 145 145 A 146A II-Y(40) 160 172 A 320 A Viscosity increased by acceleration II-Y(45)220 254 A 360 B Viscosity greatly increased by acceleration II-C(5) 1802300 C 1250 C Dispersion stability bad II-C(10) 150 165 A 390 C II-C(20)141 142 A 145 A II-C(30) 130 132 A 132 A II-C(35) 135 140 A 210 BViscosity greatly increased by acceleration II-C(A) 135 140 A 142 A Poorin concentration of color II-C(B) 137 137 A 139 A Require a little moreconcentration of color II-C(C) 135 135 A 138 A II-C(D) 132 133 A 135 AII-C(E) 131 141 A 182 B Precipitation increased by acceleration II-M(15)192 1370 C 895 C Dispersion stability bad II-M(20) 180 222 B 180 AII-M(30) 171 172 A 175 A II-M(40) 165 165 A 170 A Viscosity increased byacceleration II-M(45) 166 175 A 236 B Viscosity greatly increased byacceleration Comp. Ex. 1 148 150 A 356 C Cured as it is accelerated*Diluted using C3000

TABLE 5 After accelerated Initial After dilution test particle ParticleParticle Capsulized diameter diameter diameter pigments (nm) (nm)Stability (nm) Stability Remarks III-K(5) 250 1450 C 950 C Dispersionstability bad III-K(10) 241 247 A 237 A III-K(20) 145 152 A 147 AIII-K(30) 141 143 A 145 A III-K(35) 263 259 A 395 B Viscosity increasedby acceleration III-Y(10) 155 1650 C 1269 C Dispersion stability badIII-Y(15) 151 154 A 155 A III-Y(30) 138 143 A 148 A III-Y(40) 145 153 A277 B Viscosity increased by acceleration III-Y(45) 246 248 A 395 BViscosity increased by acceleration III-Y(A) 140 145 A 149 A Poor inconcentration of color III-Y(B) 143 150 A 148 A Require a little moreconcentration of color III-Y(C) 139 142 A 145 A III-Y(D) 139 145 A 151 AIII-Y(E) 142 146 A 237 B Precipitation increased by accelerationIII-C(5) 195 3120 C 2232 C Dispersion stability bad III-C(10) 159 165 A159 A III-C(20) 155 159 A 161 A III-C(30) 143 144 A 143 A III-C(35) 156192 B 320 B Viscosity increased by acceleration III-M(15) 225 1540 C 927C Dispersion stability bad III-M(20) 201 230 A 221 A III-M(30) 181 182 A185 A III-M(40) 172 174 A 179 A III-M(45) 176 195 A 298 B Viscosityincreased by acceleration III-K(30)V 130 136 A 135 A III-K(30) OXT 135140 A 141 A Comp. Ex. 2 142 150 A 1244 C Cured as it is accelerated*Diluted using CHDV. However, III-K(30)V and III-K(30)OXT were dilutedusing CHV and OXT, respectively.

TABLE 6 After accelerated Initial After dilution test particle ParticleParticle Capsulized diameter diameter diameter pigments (nm) (nm)Stability (nm) Stability Remarks IV-K(5) 245 1322 C 722 C Dispersionstability bad IV-K(10) 232 229 A 236 A IV-K(20) 138 138 A 139 A IV-K(30)136 139 A 139 A IV-K(35) 295 322 A 475 B Thixotropy developed byacceleration IV-Y(10) 165 1420 C 887 C Dispersion stability bad IV-Y(15)146 151 A 153 A IV-Y(30) 138 143 A 143 A IV-Y(40) 155 179 A 253 BThixotropy developed by acceleration IV-Y(45) 286 259 A 368 B Thixotropydeveloped by acceleration IV-C(5) 177 1225 C 1220 C Dispersion stabilitybad IV-C(10) 142 144 A 145 A IV-C(20) 142 155 A 152 A IV-C(30) 135 140 A141 A IV-C(35) 166 181 A 247 B Thixotropy developed by accelerationIV-M(15) 195 970 C 1896 C Thixotropy developed by acceleration IV-M(20)192 213 A 209 A IV-M(30) 179 187 A 179 A IV-M(40) 172 172 A 176 AIV-M(45) 182 206 A 325 B Thixotropy developed by acceleration IV-M(A)177 181 A 185 A Poor in concentration of color IV-M(B) 175 188 A 179 ARequire a little more concentration of color IV-M(C) 182 190 A 190 AIV-M(D) 176 187 A 185 A IV-M(E) 190 200 A 340 B Precipitation increasedby acceleration Comp. Ex. 3 141 162 A 1930 C Viscosity increased byacceleration*Diluted using SR-NPG

It will be seen from the results shown in Table 4 that in the case ofcarbon black, if it is incorporated at a ratio ranging from 3 parts byweight to 28 parts by weight based on the entire weight of thedispersion medium, it is possible to secure excellent color anddispersion stability. This tendency was found the same in the pigmentsof other colors.

As shown in Tables 4 to 6, the optimal quantity of resin differsdepending on the kind of pigment. For example, in the case of carbonblack, the optimal quantity of resin is confined within the range of 10to 30% based on the weight of the pigment; in the case ofbenzimidazolone yellow pigment, the optimal quantity of resin isconfined within the range of 15 to 39% based on the weight of thepigment; in the case of phthalocyanine cyan pigment, the optimalquantity of resin is confined within the range of 10 to 30% based on theweight of the pigment; and in the case of quinacridone magenta pigment,the optimal quantity of resin is confined within the range of 20 to 39%based on the weight of the pigment. In any of these cases, if thecontent of resin is smaller than these ranges, the dispersion stabilitywould deteriorate, and if the content of resin is larger than theseranges, the viscosity of ink may be badly affected.

In the cases of Comparative Examples 1 to 3 where a pigment was directlydispersed in a cation polymeric compound (dispersion medium), it wasconfirmed that the pigment dispersions were all caused to solidify orincrease in viscosity in the accelerated heating test. The reason forthis may be attributed assumably to the reactions among the pigment, theresin and the dispersion medium.

Further, it was confirmed that even if the aforementioned capsulizedpigments and dispersion methods were applied to the following cationpolymeric compounds, it was possible to ensure the stability inviscosity as well as particle diameter.

OXT (di[1-ethyl(3-oxetanyl)]methyl ether: OXT-221 (trade name); ToaGosei Co., Ltd.); and

CHV (cyclohexane dimethanoldivinyl ether: Rapicure CHVE (trade name);ISP Japan Co., Ltd.)

EXAMPLE VI

When the pigment dispersion II-K(30) prepared in Example II was left tostand, the viscosity thereof was increased from the initial viscosity of72.3 mPa.s to a viscosity of 85.4 mPa.s. However, when dimethylaniline(DA) was added to the pigment dispersion at a ratio of 0.5% based on theentire quantity of the dispersion medium (C3000), it was possible tosuppress the increase of viscosity. In this case, it was possible tocontrol the viscosity of the pigment dispersion to 76.0 mPa.s after thestanding thereof for six months, thus indicating excellent stability.

It was also found that the addition of a basic compound as a viscositystabilizer is effective even in any of limonene dioxide-containingsystem.

EXAMPLE VII The Preparation of Liquid Ink

By selecting some of excellent samples from the dispersions shown inTables 1 to 3, several liquid inks are prepare in a formulation as shownin following Table 7. In Table 7, OXT incorporated as the dispersionmedium 2 is the aforementioned oxetane compound,(di[1-ethyl(3-oxetanyl)]methyl ether: OXT-221 (trade name); Toa GoseiCo., Ltd.). Further, as for the photo-acid generating agent PAG,UVACURE1591 (a 50% propylene carbonate solution of phenylsulfoniumhexafluorophosphate-based onium salt mixture; Daicel UCB Co., Ltd.) wasemployed as it was. Incidentally, for the system containing C3000, DMAwas added thereto as a stabilizing agent at a ratio of 10% based on thephoto-acid generating agent. In either samples, the content of thepigments was adjusted to 5 wt % based on the acid polymeric compound(dispersion medium).

Further, by using the dispersion liquids of Comparative Examples 1 to 3,the liquid inks of Comparative Examples 5 and 6 were prepared. TABLE 7Capsulized pigments Quantity Dispersion medium 1 Dispersion medium 2Quantity Liquid ink Kinds added (quantity added) (quantity added) of PAGVII-K(30) II-K(30) 18.5 C3000(31.5) SR-NPG(50) 8 VII-Y(30) II-Y(30) 18.5C3000(31.5) SR-NPG(50) 8 VII-C(30) II-C(30) 18.5 C3000(31.5) SR-NPG(50)8 VII-M(30) II-M(30) 18.5 C3000(31.5) SR-NPG(50) 8 IX-K(30) III-K(30) 20CHDV(80) None 8 IX-Y(30) III-Y(30) 20 CHDV(80) None 8 IX-C(30) III-C(30)20 CHDV(80) None 8 IX-M(30) III-M(30) 20 CHDV(80) None 8 X-K(30)IV-K(30) 18.5 SR-NPG(31.5) OXT(50) 8 X-K(30)OXT III-K(30)OXT 20SR-NPG(50) OXT(30) 8 X-K(30)V III-K(30)V 20 CHV(30) OXT(50) 8 X-Y(30)IV-Y(30) 18.5 SR-NPG(31.5) OXT(50) 8 X-C(30) IV-C(30) 18.5 SR-NPG(31.5)OXT(50) 8 X-M(30) IV-M(30) 18.5 SR-NPG(31.5) OXT(50) 8 Comp. Ex. 4 Comp.Ex. 1 18.5 C3000(31.5) SR-NPG(50) 8 Comp. Ex. 5 Comp. Ex. 2 20 CHDV(80)None 8 Comp. Ex. 6 Comp. Ex. 3 18.5 SR-NPG(31.5) OXT(50) 8

In Table 7, the mixing ratios of the capsulized pigments and dispersionmediums 1 and 2 were values based on the weight of the liquid inkcomposition which was set to 100 and wherein the weight of thephoto-acid generating agent PAG was excluded.

Next, by using the ink-jet recording apparatus shown in FIG. 1, theperformance test of each of the liquid inks was performed.

The liquid inks shown in Table 7 were employed as they were, or aftersubjecting them to a treatment wherein the liquid inks were subjected tocentrifugal separation for 20 minutes at 15000 G and only 90% of thesupernatant was taken up for use. As for the recording medium 2, theordinary enameled paper was employed. As for the light source 5, anultra-high pressure mercury lamp having an output of 230 W was employedwith the exposure dosage thereof being set to 500 mJ/cm². Further, thetemperature of the recording head 4 was maintained at a temperature of45° C. As for the heating mechanism 6, a 600 W infrared ceramic heaterwas employed.

The pencil hardness, printing stability, solvent resistance and imagequality of the ink layer thus formed were measured, the results beingshown in the following Table 8.

The printing stability was indicated by the frequency of delivery error(the number of times) per 24 hours. However, the samples which indicateddelivery failure within 2 or 3 days were marked with a symbol of “x”.The solvent resistance was evaluated such that the sample which wasresistive only to water was marked with the number of 1, the samplewhich was resistive to water and ethanol was marked with the number of2, and the sample which was resistive to all of water, ethanol andacetone was marked with the number of 3. The quality of image wasdetermined visually and the image having any problem was illustratedabout the situation thereof. Incidentally, in the case of the samplewhere a slight degree of disturbance (such as mis-direction shot) couldbe more or less observed in its image but the level of the disturbancewas such that could not be noticed of unless it was investigated indetail, the sample was defined as good. The sample which was completelyfree form any error shot was defined as excellent. TABLE 8 CentrifugalPencil Printing Solvent Liquid ink separation hardness stabilityresistance Printing quality VII-K(30) F(H) 24 1 Good VII-K(30) Yes H 2 1Excellent VII-Y(30) F(H) 12 1 Good VII-Y(30) Yes F(H) 4 1 ExcellentVII-C(30) F(H) 10 1 Good VII-C(30) Yes F(H) 2 1 Excellent VII-M(30) F(H)15 1 Good VII-M(30) Yes H 3 1 Excellent IX-K(30) 2H 27 3 Good IX-K(30)Yes 2H 3 3 Excellent IX-Y(30) Yes 2H 5 3 Excellent IX-C(30) Yes 2H 4 3Excellent IX-M(30) Yes 2H 6 3 Excellent X-K(30) H 18 3 Good X-K(30) YesH(2H) 1 3 Excellent X-K(30) OXT Yes H(2H) 2 3 Excellent X-K(30)V YesH(2H) 4 3 Excellent X-Y(30) Yes H 0 3 Excellent X-C(30) Yes H 2 3Excellent X-M(30) Yes H 5 3 Excellent Comp. Ex. 4 F(H) 48 → x 1 BleedingComp. Ex. 4 Yes F(H) 45 → x 1 Bleeding Comp. Ex. 5 2H 35 → x 3Non-uniform printing Comp. Ex. 5 Yes 2H 36 → x 3 Non-uniform printingComp. Ex. 6 H 44 → x 3 Non-uniform printing Comp. Ex. 6 Yes H 47 → x 3Non-uniform printing

As shown in Table 8, all of the inks according to the Examples of thepresent invention were relatively stable in the performance of printingand the images to be obtained were also excellent. Especially, it willbe recognized that when the ink was subjected to centrifugal separation,the delivery stability could be further improved.

On the other hand, the inks of Comparative Examples were such thatalthough the delivery of ink was possible in the initial stage, thestability of delivery of ink was poor so that trouble of delivery suchas the clogging of head may occur with the lapse of time.

In place of SR-NPG pigment dispersion constituted by IV-K(30), OXTpigment dispersion constituted by III-K(30)OXT which was employed toprepare an ink (X-K(30), X-K(30)OXT) wherein the ultimate content of thepigment is adjusted to become identical with the content of compositionof dispersion medium. When this ink was employed for printing, it waspossible to maintain the stability of printing.

EXAMPLE IX

In order to enhance the sensitivity of ink, the mixing ratio of thephoto-acid generating agent in the compositions shown in Table 7 wasincreased two times (16%) to prepare several kinds of ink, which werethen left to stand for two months, and the distribution of particlediameter thereof was measured by using a particle size analyzer. As aresult, an increase of particles having a particle size ranging from 3to 4 μm was recognized. When these inks were filtered and analyzed, thepresence of-crystal of onium salt in the photo-acid generating agent wasrecognized.

When MEK or MPK was added to the liquid ink having the same compositionas described above at a ratio of 0.5 to 3% based on the entire weight ofthe dispersion medium, the precipitation of the aforementioned crystalwas not recognized.

COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE

Polyester resin having a terminal amino group (Solsperse, Avisia Co.,Ltd.) was added to the surface-modified pigment I-K at a ratio of 30 wt% to obtain a mixture, which was then added to a pre-dispersion mediumconstituted by isopropanol (IPA). This IPA is known as exhibiting a highpolarity since the solubility parameter thereof is approximately 23.5MPa^(1/2) due to the presence of the hydroxyl group thereof.

After the resultant mixture was subjected to a preliminary dispersiontreatment by a homogenizer, the resultant dispersion was subjected to areflux treatment for one hour by using zirconia bead 0.3 mm in diameterand a bead mill to prepare a dispersion precursor. Further, anequivalent quantity of a main dispersion medium constituted by SR-NPGwas added to the dispersion precursor and the resultant mixture wasstirred for one hour and then heated one hour with stirring at atemperature of 50° C. and a pressure of 50 mmHg, which was followed by a3-hour heating at a pressure of 5 mmHg to remove IPA. As a result, apigment dispersion wherein a resin-coated pigment was dispersed in theSR-NPG was obtained.

As this pigment dispersion was observed by using a particle sizeanalyzer (HPPS; Malvern Co., Ltd.) where a dynamic light-scatteringmethod was utilized, the particle diameter of the resin-coated pigmentwas found 500 nm or more, indicating that the employment of a solventhaving an extremely high polarity as a pre-dispersion medium was notpreferable.

On the other hand, polyester resin having a terminal amino group(Solsperse, Avisia Co., Ltd.) was added to the surface-modified pigmentI-K at a ratio of 30 wt % to obtain a mixture, which was then added to apre-dispersion medium constituted by cyclohexane (CH). This CH is knownas exhibiting a low polarity since the solubility parameter thereof isapproximately 16.8 MPa^(1/2) because of the molecular structure thereof.

After the resultant mixture was subjected to a preliminary dispersiontreatment by a homogenizer, the resultant dispersion was subjected to areflux treatment for one hour by using zirconia beads 0.3 mm in diameterand a beads mill to prepare a dispersion precursor. Further, anequivalent quantity of a main dispersion medium constituted by SR-NPGwas added to the dispersion precursor and the resultant mixture wasstirred for one hour and then heated one hour with stirring at atemperature of 50° C. and a pressure of 50 mmHg, which was followed by a3-hour heating at a pressure of 5 mmHg to remove CH. As a result, apigment dispersion wherein a resin-coated pigment was dispersed in theSR-NPG was obtained.

As this pigment dispersion was observed by using a particle sizeanalyzer (HPPS; Malvern Co., Ltd.), the particle diameter of theresin-coated pigment was found 600 nm or more, indicating that theemployment of a solvent having an extremely low polarity as apre-dispersion medium was not preferable.

As explained above, according to one aspect of the present invention,there is provided a pigment dispersion and a liquid ink precursor bothbeing useful for the preparation of a UV-curing type ink-jet ink andfeatured in that they are minimal in fluctuation of viscosity, excellentin stability of components, and free from deterioration ofdispersibility. According to another aspect of the present invention,there is provided a recording method wherein the aforementionedUV-curing type ink for ink-jet recording is employed. According to afurther aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printedmatter which is free from defective printing and excellent in quality ofprinting. According. to a further aspect of the present invention, thereis provided a method of manufacturing a pigment dispersion which isminimal in fluctuation of viscosity, excellent in stability ofcomponents, and free from deterioration of dispersibility.

Additional advantages and modifications will readily occur to thoseskilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects isnot limited to the specific details and representative embodiments shownand described herein. Accordingly, various modifications may be madewithout departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventiveconcept as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

1. A pigment dispersion comprising: at least one resin-coated pigmentcomprising a resin and a pigment, and having an average particlediameter of 250 nm or less; and a dispersion medium containing as amajor component a cation polymeric compound having a viscosity of 30mPa.s or less at a temperature of 25° C. and a boiling point of 150° C.or more at 1 atm; wherein a mixing ratio of the pigment is confinedwithin the range of 3 to 41% by weight based on a total weight of thedispersion medium, and a ratio of the resin in the resin-coated pigmentis confined within the range of 5 to 37% by weight based on the weightof the pigment.
 2. The pigment dispersion according to claim 1, whereinthe pigment is carbon black, the content of which ranging from 3 to 28%by weight based on a total weight of the dispersion medium, and thecontent of the resin in the resin-coated pigment is confined within therange of 10 to 30% by weight based on the pigment.
 3. The pigmentdispersion according to claim 1, wherein the pigment isbenzimidazolone-based yellow pigment, the content of which ranging from3 to 28% by weight based on a total weight of the dispersion medium, andthe content of the resin in the resin-coated pigment is confined withinthe range of 15 to 39% by weight based on the pigment.
 4. The pigmentdispersion according to claim 1, wherein the pigment isphthalocyanine-based cyan pigment, the content of which ranging from 3to 28% by weight based on a total weight of the dispersion medium, andthe content of the resin in the resin-coated pigment is confined withinthe range of 10 to 30% by weight based on the pigment.
 5. The pigmentdispersion according to claim 1, wherein the pigment isquinacridone-based magenta pigment, the content of which ranging from 3to 28% by weight based on a total weight of the dispersion medium, andthe content of the resin in the resin-coated pigment is confined withinthe range of 20 to 39% by weight based on the pigment.
 6. The pigmentdispersion according to claim 1, wherein the dispersion medium furthercomprises not more than 5% by weight of a ketone-based organic solventbased on a total weight of the dispersion medium.
 7. The pigmentdispersion according to claim 1, further comprising at least one of aphoto-acid generating agent and a basic compound.
 8. The pigmentdispersion according to claim 1, wherein the dispersion medium includeslimonene dioxide.
 9. The pigment dispersion according to claim 1,wherein the dispersion medium includes neopentyl glycol diglycidyl etherand/or di[1-ethyl(3-oxetanyl)]methyl ether.
 10. The pigment dispersionaccording to claim 7, wherein the mixing ratio of the basic compound isless than 1% by weight.
 11. The pigment dispersion according to claim 1,wherein the dispersion medium includes cyclohexane di-vinyl ether.
 12. AUV curing type liquid ink precursor comprising: a pigment dispersionwhich comprises a resin-coated pigment comprising a resin and a pigment,and having an average particle diameter of 250 nm or less; and adispersion medium containing as a major component a cation polymericcompound having a viscosity of 30 mPa.s or less at a temperature of 25°C. and a boiling point of 150° C. or more at 1 atm, and containing atleast one selected from the group consisting of limonene dioxide,neopentyl glycol diglycidyl ether, di[1-ethyl(3-oxetanyl)]methyl etherand cyclohexane vinyl ether; and a photo-acid generating agent; whereina mixing ratio of the pigment is confined within the range of 3 to 41%by weight based on a total weight of the dispersion medium, and a ratioof the resin in the resin-coated pigment is confined within the range of5 to 37% by weight based on the weight of the pigment.
 13. An ink-jetrecording method comprising a step of using an ink containing a UVcuring type liquid ink precursor which is claimed in claim
 12. 14. Aprinted matter comprising an image formed of cured ink containing a UVcuring type liquid ink precursor which is claimed in claim
 12. 15. Amethod of manufacturing a pigment dispersion comprising: subjecting apigment to surface treatment to provide the pigment with a functionalgroup to obtain a surface-modified pigment; either coating thesurface-modified pigment with a resin at a ratio of 5 to 37% by weightbased on the weight of the surface-modified pigment and then dispersingthe resin-coated pigment in a preliminary dispersion medium at a ratioranging from 10% by weight to 41% by weight based on a total weight ofthe preliminary dispersion medium to obtain a dispersion precursor whichis dispersed in the preliminary dispersion medium having a boiling pointnot more than 140° C. at 1 atm; or adding 10% to 41% by weight (based ona total weight of a preliminary dispersion medium) of thesurface-modified pigment and 5 to 37% by weight (based on thesurface-modified pigment) of the resin to the preliminary dispersionmedium having a boiling point not more than 140° C. at 1 atm to obtain adispersion precursor where the resin-coated pigment composed of thesurface-modified pigment and the resin is dispersed in the preliminarydispersion medium; adding a main dispersion medium having a viscosity of30 mPa.s or less at a temperature of 25° C. and a boiling point of 150°C. or more at 1 atm to the dispersion precursor and mixing them toobtain a mixture; and subjecting the mixture to distillation at atemperature of not higher than 70° C. and under a reduced pressure toremove the preliminary dispersion medium to obtain the pigmentdispersion where the resin-coated pigment is dispersed in the maindispersion medium.
 16. The method according to claim 15, wherein thepigment dispersion contains aggregated particles having a particlediameter of 1 μm or more, the method further comprising removing thepreliminary dispersion medium by distillation and subjecting theaggregated particles to centrifugal separation for a period ranging from5 minutes to 3 hours while applying a gravity of 2500 G to 70000 G tothe aggregated particles.